My Personal Trainer

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.

Instead, be filled with the Spirit,”

Acts 1:4

  

 

 “Jesus on the inside

Working on the outside

Oh, what a joy in my life!”

 

So goes a part of a chorus we used to sing many years ago.

Some might hear that and ask – “Is Jesus a personal trainer?”

Well, not really – unless you broaden the definition of what a personal trainer does.

We have an over-emphasis in our culture with what our ‘outside’

looks like while we often neglect our spirit and our soul.

A personal trainer is interested in developing the shell of a man, i.e., the body.

As a believer we know our body houses that which is eternal – our spirit.

The Spirit of God works with us to make us fruitful for the Kingdom of God.

This work is primarily done in the ‘inward man’ or the spirit of a man.

We are to reflect Christ in the world.

When I embrace what the Holy Spirit wants to do in me it might be compared to the man or woman who carefully follows every instruction the personal trainer gives at the gym.

They want to see results!

The world needs to see the results in us of the Holy Spirit’s work.  

That can’t happen when we do not embrace that work;

when we do not surrender our will to obey His will.  

Like the physical workout in the gym, the spiritual ‘workout’ may not always be easy.

But it is always worth it!

Will you say ‘Yes!” to the Holy Spirit as your personal trainer?