Do you have a gym membership? Do you go to the gym consistently? I go to the gym and understand its importance but, I have not always been consistent. At times, I have contrasted the difference between being committed to a gym membership versus being committed to God. Many view God and gym membership with the same commitment and allegiance. However, training in godliness requires far more commitment and has greater, lasting benefits.

1 Tim 4:8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 

Though the gym has benefits, it pales in comparison to the importance of the eternal state of humanity. God is looking for disciples whose purpose for going to the gym is so that he can empower them to live for their real purpose – the kingdom of God.

Apostle Paul says it like this: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 

Paul speaks of a commitment and intention that is beyond an hour or two of daily sacrifice. This commitment cost Jesus his whole life, and as we are his partners for life, he is requiring the same from us. We must surrender everything to have the life and love of God flow through us to others. There is nothing more important than being a disciple of Christ and living to carry out God’s purpose of love on the earth. To get stronger at the gym, there has to be a sacrifice. To fulfill God’s mission on earth, there is an even greater sacrifice. Look at what Jesus said in Luke 14:33, “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” 

Our world is in desperate need, and you and I are God’s answer! Out of a love for God and our fellow man, there must arise a stirring in our hearts to intensely pursue the life of living inside of God’s love and grace! This is the only hope for our world! Being a person through whom God can release his purpose of love and grace to this world is a privilege beyond description and definitely beyond a…  

GYM MEMBERSHIP 

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