Growing in Christ question?

[blazerfan]

Hi Folks. I would enjoy hearing how you grow in your walk with Christ? What type of
disciplines you enjoy? Devotions? I'm just searching for new ways to go deeper
in my walk. Thanks for sharing. M

[TK]

Like I suspect is true with many- my devotional fervor waxes and wanes.

I read Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Highest" every day, and have done so for years.

I listen to a lot of audio teachings by Steve G, and I listen to a lot of audio sermons from various speakers.

I try to be involved in some sort of a Bible study or fellowship with other believers at all times, even if we only meet every other week.

My wife and I are going to start a Bible study with our daugther and son in law using "Skype"-- they live in SC, we are in OH.

For me, worship(praising) is vital so I attend worship events when I can. There is one in my area that meets the last Friday of every month and it lasts about 3 hrs. it is awesome!

And we have "man prayer" every wednesday night in a local coffee shop. That is a great way to grow- praying with other believers.

Just recently I have really heard the Lord telling me to get in shape physically. I know this seems odd but I think it is related to being more disciplined in general, including my devotional life. So I have embarked on a pretty intense workout regimen. I have a strong suspicion that I am also going to grow spiritually at the same time.

TK

[blazerfan]

Thanks for sharing TK

[Ian]

Hi TK

Just recently I have really heard the Lord telling me to get in shape physically. I know this seems odd but I think it is related to being more disciplined in general, including my devotional life. So I have embarked on a pretty intense workout regimen. I have a strong suspicion that I am also going to grow spiritually at the same time.

May I pry a little? In what do you feel you`re being told that? This is a matter of high interest to me: http://www.theos.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=69&t=2979

[TK]

Hi Ian--

I didn't hear an audible voice saying "TK, get off your lazy rear and get in shape."

However, I have felt a CONVICTION about this, which I believe is from the Lord. I think it is tied in with something more than just getting into shape for the sake of getting into shape. My sense is that the Lord wants me in better shape for a specific purpose-- although I do not (yet) know what this purpose is.

I can't really explain why I believe it is from the Lord. But at the same time I am almost certain that it is.

TK

[Ian]

I`m perhaps at a different stage. I do a lot of push ups etc when at home and it somehow helps shunt blood to my brain. It gives me a fighting chance at knuckling down to study the Bible and to pray. Without that shunt, my lazy side takes over. And I can easily fall into the trap of browsing the internet for hours on end. Deadly. The aspect to be wary of I suppose is that all this exercise has a positive effect on the body`s outward appearance. And equally deadly is yielding to the temptation to look in the mirror once in a while to admire those benefits.
I suspect what I am relating is not a normative Christian pattern. But if anyone can relate to what I`ve written I`d be encouraged to hear from them.

[darinhouston]

I have a bit of a sloth conviction, myself, but I do see a lot of fitness craze in the church these days which doesn't seem healthy to me, spiritually, or to family responsibilities -- I'm not sure what it's all about, but it seems much more obsessive than what I would see Christ wishing for us to do to keep in a general fitness level. The time folks spend at the gym, or running or biking for hours a day sometimes and abusing their bodies running marathons and iron man triathlons and the like seems more about convincing themselves of their own strength and abilities than any response to the spirit -- but, I've been on the other end of the spectrum lately, so there must be a healthy middle ground. Having young kids in my mid 40s keeps me so tired I don't want to do anything but rest in the evenings, and I don't want to avoid family obligations to work out on weekends during the day, but I'm convinced (or convicted) that I'd be a better parent and husband if I worked out as I probably would have more and not less energy from doing so (and eating better).

[Ian]

Darin, I agree with everything you wrote. But short of being healed of the burning heat in my numb skin (http://www.imagesfromthewild.ch/About/About.htm) I don`t feel I have any choice but to continue to use endorphin-stimulating exercise as a distraction from it. "Be not drunk on wine". But I can at least rouse the chemicals that are already within me.
I`m sorry to sidetrack your post, blazerfan. I hope someone else will bring it back on track.

[TK]

I believe it is a matter of stewardship. God gave us these bodies and we are supposed to take care of them like everything else he gives us. I think that is what has been convicting me.

Jesus probably didn't work out- but he didnt have to. He walked all over the place and worked hard. We with more sedentary lifestyles really have no choice. If we don't watch our diet and don't exercise, blob city here we come.

And i certainly agree that fitness should not be an obsession. But I dont want to go too far and say that i am "sinning" if I like that I am fit, or look better than I used to (havent gotten there yet though). After all, I dont like the way i look in the mirror now, so hopefully i will like better what i see in a few weeks.

TK

[Ian]

I`ve come to see competition as antithetical to the values that we`ll see in the kingdom of God. "I`m prettier than her" "I`m fitter than him". But if that can be kept out of it (not terribly easy) then, yes, one is bound to look in the mirror (if only to prevent others having to endure looking at a tramp) and yes, what Christian wouldn`t prefer to occupy a leaner, fitter body than a fat one?