April 2010

Body Building©

There are men that pursue the personal passion of body building, which is the practice of developing the body through physical exercise and diet. The results are astounding: sculptured beauty, physical fitness and great strength.  Of course, a lot of hard work (in the gym) and dedication are cornerstones to the body builder's success. 

Then there's spiritual body building.  This is the practice of developing the Body of Christ through spiritual exercise and spiritual diet.  Spiritual exercise is the exercise of spiritual gifts of members of the Body to 'strenghten' it. Physical diet is the usual food and drink of a person. Spiritual diet for the Christian is the Word of God. As a Christian man, recognize you're a man of God.  As such, you should be a spiritual body builder, one who practices building the Body of Christ. 

How do you build the Body of Christ? With the spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit operates through you; praying for the members of the Body; encouraging them; helping whoever you can and wherever in the Body you can—whether physically, doing church chores, such as cleaning bathrooms, mowing the church lawn, etc. Or financially, such as supporting financially struggling members, being a blessing to them; helping to finance church projects, etc. Or spiritually, giving the Body prayer support, serving in the Church where you're needed, etc.  

It's wonderful being a "body builder."  In fact, every member of the Body is to be a "body builder."  Everyone has his position and purpose in the Body, the Church.  You may very well have your job through which you provide for your family and yourself; but don't forget your spiritual work of "body building."  It's very important to the Body of Christ that its members contribute to its overall fitness and spiritual welfare. Remember, as a member of the Body of Christ, you're to be a "body builder."  Take great pleasure in it!  Know it's honorable in the sight of God.  Know you're very important to the Body!