Spiritual Abs

22 October 2011

“Why am I running so slowly, regardless of increased training?”

Despite increased training, stretching for increased flexibility and apparent leg turnover at a respectable rate, my pace is slow.

“Why is my stride length so short?”

I continually ponder these and other questions, seeking improvement. Enjoyment of running is nearly proportional to my capable pace.

I moved to Dallas the end of August 2011 to pursue my Masters of Theology (Th.M.) at Dallas Theological Seminary. This move prompts my commitment of regaining respectable physical fitness: losing weight and running relatively fast again.

Included with this commitment is strengthening my abdominal (ab) muscles, averaging less than one hundred ‘crunchers’ per week lacks sufficiency for fitness.

My ab work slowly increases with 50 to 200 per day three or four days per week, or an average of roughly four hundred repetitions of abdominal exercises per week.

A few weeks later, I notice my strides, measured by segments of sidewalk, are increasing. Additionally, efficient running form maintains throughout runs. The shoulders are back, hips forward, eyes and chin-up: running is fun!

Weight loss is a contributing factor, along with the significantly increased strength of my abdominal muscles.

This morning I completed 500repetitions of abdominal exercises, expecting a return of the eight-hundred to one thousand daily repetitions relied on when running 100 to 135 weekly miles years ago.

Yes, a strong correlation exists between the strength of one’s core and the ability to stride out, performing effectively and efficiency.

Running fast still hurts due from the required effort, yet I am able to achieve more with equal discomfort.

Does this have spiritual application? Absolutely!

When I struggle to achieve in life, when lacking efficiency and effectiveness; this is often attributed to a lack of focus on my core values.

Increasing the honing, fine tuning, of my core values which is my relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit increases my achievements in running life’s race.

We hear the voice of the Holy Spirit easily in our lives, we easily discern between right and wrong; we increase our physical and mental health.

The Bible also illustrates that sometimes physical ailments glorify the Father in heaven. Consequently, decisions and achievements are easier. “Easier,” is absent meaning “easy.”

Achievements continuing requiring exhausting effort, thus pain remains. We are able to “stride out” in life with the confidence of knowing right from wrong and discerning the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

How do we fine tune our Spiritual abdominal muscles? The Bible says, “…without faith it is impossible to please God,” and “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

We strengthen our spiritual core when studying, and meditating on scripture; praying and listening for the small quiet, yet distinct voice, of the Holy Spirit.

As previously discussed, keep a journal of your “hunches” to increase your discerning proper understanding of the Holy Spirit’s voice in your life. The Holy Spirit always speaks in congruency with scripture. If any thought contradicting scripture lacks being from the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Do you desire greater achievements and efficiency in life? Are you willing to endure the pain of training and achieving God’s will for your life? Are you aware achievements aligning with the Lord Jesus Christ are often different in comparison to achievements as defined by the secular, non-Christian, world?

As I hone and fine tune my spiritual core, I complete my school and professional assignments much quicker; yet equally as exhaustive. Effort is mandatory, regardless of our fitness level! Faith without works is dead! (James 2:26)

Exercise and strengthen your core, your spiritual abs, daily!

Let’s run effectively and efficiently with Christ together; daily increasing and honing our spiritual core beliefs. This keeps our chin-up, shoulders back and our hips forward; progress with confidence in our Lord Jesus Christ.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
http://www.rickemeyer.com/