By Jim Langley | October 5, 2019 | 10:30 a.m.
It seems many in this world become obsessed with staying in shape physically. There’s certainly nothing wrong with taking care of your body, but I’ve learned to emphasize my spiritual over my physical workout these days. I’ve come to understand that the spiritual aspects of life are more critical than the physical.
Don’t take me wrong. I do work out several times most weeks at our local YMCA, and I’m also careful to only ingest certain foods and drink in these waning years of life. My most invigorating exercise actually comes from a weekly 18-hole walk through the hills and valleys of our local community golf course.
There’s one character in the Old Testament whom I’ve come to identify as the kind of godly man I want to be when I grow up. His name is Caleb and he was the lesser known spy who came back from the Promised Land with a positive report to Moses.
The other spy who brought a favorable report was Joshua, who is certainly better known since he was chosen by God to take over and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land 40 years later. Along with 10 others from the 12 tribes, they were sent on a mission to scout the land of Canaan for 40 days. That region was inhabited by the mighty descendants of Anak, a rare breed of giants.
My admiration for Caleb was kindled when I first read the story how he asked for the land of Canaan as promised to him by Moses when he was a spry 85 years old! I come from hardy stock. My grandpa worked 78 acres of Texas farmland into his 90s. My dad remained active in life working out daily until he reached 100.
As I enter the fourth quarter of my life, I feel that God is coaxing me to keep up the good fight, and I have no plans to slow down in my profession or my weekly writings. After all, I sense His purpose in how He uses me these days much more than when I was younger.
Joshua lived to the ripe age of 110 and it appears Caleb, too, was used by God in the Promised Land for many years as he led the tribe of Judah. These two men were passionate about their faith, and as long as they remained obedient, the Israelites thrived under their direction and guidance.
I imagine Caleb was Joshua’s right-hand man during all those years in the desert, and that relationship continued in the land of milk and honey. Together, they provided the people with hope and purpose. Caleb’s nephew, Othniel, later became the first judge in Israel following in his uncle’s faithful footsteps.
So how are you doing in your spiritual workout? How are you doing in working out your salvation? Those are two questions every Christian should ask daily. Then we must reflect on our honest answers.
It’s good to have others hold you accountable to ensure you stay on track. Personally, I cherish the encouragement of other godly men who hold me accountable as I strive to remain faithful to my Savior and Lord.
In Matthew 9:36, we see Jesus showing compassion for the lost sheep (those who will follow Him in time), and in the next two verses He tells His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field.”
If we are to be used by the Lord in the harvest field, we must become spiritually fit. The Spiritual Workout of a follower of Christ requires devotion that places God and His Word first. It requires obedience and self-discipline.
Are you willing to take up the Banner of Christ and join me in becoming more spiritually fit each day? He’s provided us His Word, but He expects us to share it with those who are unconvinced who we encounter daily as we live this journey called life.
Let me share one more scripture from 1 John 4:4: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
With God’s help we have overcome the enemy and we can stand firm in our faith as we put on the full armor of God and prepare for the spiritual battle laid before us daily.
To God be the glory!
Passages to Ponder
» Joshua 1:6-7
» Judges 1: 1-3
» Psalms 119:28-32
» Ephesians 6:10-11
» 1 Peter 5:10-11
— Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent in Santa Barbara. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his personal relationship with God, and his goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection), he started writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches an international audience through the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He can be contacted at [email protected] for more information. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.
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