Fit Check | Week 1 | Pastor Ben Pierce
Fit Check: Nurturing Your Spirit for the New Year
As we step into the New Year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our spiritual well-being. In this blog, we will explore the concept of a ‘fit check’ not just for our bodies, but for our spirits, challenging ourselves to nurture our inner selves as we embark on a year of growth and purpose.
Introduction to the New Year and Series
As we embrace the New Year, it’s a time ripe for introspection and renewal. This period offers us a chance to assess not only our physical health but also our spiritual well-being. This year, we’re launching a series focused on the concept of a ‘fit check’ that goes beyond the surface, encouraging us to evaluate our spiritual fitness alongside our physical and mental health.
The Importance of Prayer and Fasting
Incorporating prayer and fasting into our lives is a powerful way to start the year. These practices allow us to sow seeds into our spiritual lives, promising returns throughout the year. As we dedicate time to these practices, we create space for God to speak into our lives and guide our paths.
Preparation is key. It’s essential to take time before beginning this journey to ask for guidance on how to fast effectively. Whether it’s a Daniel fast or a complete water fast, the goal is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually.
Defining ‘Fit Check’ in Modern Context
In today’s social media-driven world, a ‘fit check’ often refers to sharing one’s physical appearance online for validation. However, this series aims to redefine this term by encouraging a holistic approach. We invite you to engage in a fit check that incorporates your spirit, soul, and body.
This introspection is crucial as we set intentions for the New Year. While many focus on external changes, we must remember that true transformation begins within.
Discovering Inner Strength
Each of us possesses untapped potential within. As we embark on this spiritual journey, we may uncover strengths that we never knew existed. It’s a chance to lean into God and allow Him to reveal the gifts and abilities He has placed inside us.
Many biblical figures, like Gideon and Moses, discovered their calling when they leaned into their spiritual lives. Their stories remind us that we, too, have unique destinies waiting to be realized.
Understanding Our Triune Nature
We are made in the image of God, who exists as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Similarly, we are composed of three parts: spirit, soul, and body. Understanding this triune nature is vital for our spiritual growth.
The body, or soma, relates to our physical existence, while the soul, or sukhay, encompasses our mind, will, and emotions. Most importantly, our spirit, or pneuma, is the eternal essence of who we are. Connecting with our spirit is essential for true self-understanding and growth.
The Role of Spirituality in Our Lives
Spirituality often takes a back seat in our busy lives. However, cultivating our spiritual health can lead to a more fulfilling existence. Engaging in practices that nurture our spirits can improve our emotional and physical health.
In a world where we often measure success through external achievements, we must remember that the most significant growth occurs within. By prioritizing our spiritual health, we create a foundation for overall well-being.
Statistics on Spiritual Engagement
The average American spends significant time on screens—over seven hours a day—while only dedicating about an hour daily to exercise. This disparity highlights a concerning trend: we often neglect our spiritual health in favor of physical and mental stimuli.
As we move forward this year, let’s shift our focus. What if we dedicated time to nurturing our spiritual lives? By doing so, we may find that our emotional and physical health improves naturally, creating a more balanced life.
Ways to Cultivate Your Spirit
To truly nurture your spirit, it’s essential to engage in practices that promote spiritual growth. Here are three effective ways to cultivate your spirit:
1. Grow in Godliness
Godliness is about developing a Christ-like lifestyle. It involves living by the Spirit and avoiding the temptations of the flesh. Surrounding yourself with godly individuals can have a positive influence on your own spiritual growth. Paul’s letters to Timothy emphasize the importance of godliness, which is defined as a proper response to God that leads to obedience and righteous living.
In First Timothy 4:8, it’s highlighted that while physical training has some value, godliness is valuable in all aspects of life. This means that cultivating godliness can enhance your emotional health, decision-making abilities, and even your physical well-being. Remember, God has given you the power to live a godly life through your spirit.
2. Improve Intimacy with God
Deepening your relationship with God is crucial for spiritual growth. This can be achieved through consistent prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking His presence in your daily life. The YouVersion app is a great tool to help you stay committed to reading the Bible regularly. Set aside time to engage with God, making it a priority amidst your busy schedule.
Intimacy with God requires persistence. Just as a child repeatedly asks for something important to them, we must approach God with the same fervor. Seeking God with all your heart can lead to profound intimacy and connection.
3. Obey God’s Voice
Obedience is a vital aspect of spiritual cultivation. God communicates with us through His Word, trusted leaders, and the inner nudges of our spirit. Often, the things that we feel compelled to do but resist are indicators of areas where God wants us to obey. This might involve acts of service, tithing, or simply spending more time in worship.
Recognizing the different voices we hear—our own, the enemy’s, and God’s—can help us discern His will. When you feel a nudge to do something that aligns with God’s character, respond to it. Obeying His voice not only strengthens your spirit but also aligns you with His blessings.
The Importance of Community and Serving
Engaging with a community of believers is crucial for spiritual growth. Being part of a church or small group fosters accountability and encouragement. It’s in these settings that we can share our struggles and victories, allowing others to support us in our journey.
Serving within your community also plays a significant role in nurturing your spirit. When you serve others, you reflect Christ’s love and deepen your own spiritual understanding. Whether it’s volunteering at church, helping in outreach programs, or simply being there for a friend, serving creates connections that strengthen your spirit.
Invitation to Surrender to God
If you haven’t fully surrendered your life to God, now is the time to do so. Surrendering means letting go of control and allowing God to guide your life. This often starts with a simple prayer, asking Him to come into your heart and lead you according to His purpose.
As you begin this journey of surrender, be open to what God has in store for you. He desires intimacy with you and is ready to guide you every step of the way. Embrace this opportunity to start fresh and make this year a transformative one in your spiritual life.