Diet. This word will elicit varied reactions. For many of us this is just another four letter word. Most of us, at some point or another, find ourselves in need of a restrictive diet to shed a few pounds. But the word “diet” is not really a bad word. Dictionary.com had this as one of the definitions of “diet”– a particular selection of food, esp. as designed or prescribed to improve a person’s physical condition or to prevent or treat a disease.
As it so happens, I’m on a diet myself right now. How do I feel about it? Frustrated, angry and hungry. I’m in the pity-party phase wondering why I’m bothering. If you see me wearing a muumuu you’ll know I gave up! Deep down I know that this a journey, one that I will be on forever. Even though I know better I want instant results.
But if you think “diet” is a bad word, how about exercise? Many people I’ve encountered would rather limit their food drastically then engage in a rigorous exercise routine.
We all know that in order to have good health and fitness we have to have the right balance of diet and exercise. There is no magic formula to being fit and healthy. Many people have risked their health trying the latest diet scam on the market or caused permanent physical injuries by straining their body too much.
This weekend I attended a seminar on Personal Quiet Time. I learned that just like diet and exercise results in physical fitness, it takes Bible study, prayer and application to equal spiritual fitness. As much as we’d like to read a little devotional each day and be done with it, it takes focused time in God’s word to actually grow spiritually. It would be equivalent to eating a pack of M&M’s for breakfast. There is no real nourishment there. Yes, it provides momentary pleasure but no real benefit to your health.
Any time in God’s word (the Bible) is not wasted but in order to grow we must also apply what we learn. Will I reap any benefit from watching a fitness DVD while sitting on the couch? I might burn a few calories thinking about how much energy it will take to do what the trainer is doing but that’s about it. I have to actually do what the trainer teaches. Likewise I have to apply what I learn when I study.
Last week I talked about prayer. This is also a key component to our spiritual growth. There is no formula. We need to ask God to lead us and teach us to pray. This is how we experience a relationship with God. Even Jesus was in constant communication with God His Father.
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35 NIV
Do you have a time set apart to spend with God each day? If not, try to figure out what would work best in your schedule and then plan on it each day. I would suggest starting small. Even 10 minutes per day is a good place to start if it gets you into the habit of meeting with the Lord. You will probably find that you will want to increase this time because you will be excited about what you are learning and what God is teaching you in that time.
For me personally, I like to meet with God in the morning. It helps direct my focus for the day. There is no rule about spending time in the morning. If you are not a morning person and spend the entire time fighting sleep you won’t get much benefit out of it. The important thing is to spend that time alone with God. It boils down to priorities. Don’t you think He’s worth it?
Have a great day!