You Need to Lift Some Weights

Physiologically, weightlifting (or resistant exercising) is really good for you.  The benefits are numerous.  The following are a few of the many positive results…increases strength of connective tissue, muscles and tendons; better physical capacity; leaner body mass; fewer injuries; controls loss of bone mass; boosts metabolism; reduces risks of diseases; better quality of life.  We all need to make sure that our training regularly includes weightlifting.  It helps make us healthier and stronger.

Spiritually, weightlifting is essential.  It strengthens our spiritual health and fitness.  Hebrews 12:1&2 explains, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  What the author of Hebrews describes in verse 1 is that each of us get bogged down daily by things that are heavy.  We are to lift or throw off the weighty things that thwart our growth. To be healthy spiritually, our daily spiritual exercises must include weightlifting.  What are the things that are holding us back and weighing us down?  What areas in our lives do we need to be stronger and healthier?

1. It must include training that strengthens our relationships most importantly with our spouse and children and should include our work relationships and neighbors.  Relationships can weigh us down.  Develop an exercise program that helps you build up others.  It has to include exercises that strengthen our “listening” skills…most of us are weak in this area.  We have to get stronger.  Two quick verses challenge us to do this.  James 1:19 says for us to first of all “be quick to listen…”  Proverbs 18:13 punches us in the mouth when it states, “To answer before listening – that is folly and shame.”  Then, we have to strengthen our ability to speak in a way that brings glory to Jesus.  James 1:19 says for us to practice the discipline to be “slow to speak.”  We have to be disciplined to do this.  Proverbs 18:2 declares, “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”  We enjoy giving our opinions.  In the spiritual world, relationships usually take lifting heavy weights. 
2. Our spiritual weight training program must help us throw off lusts; protect what we are watching and doing, and what we are eating, and most importantly what we are thinking.
3. What other areas do you need to lift some weights?  Could it be an ungodly relationship that has you tied up?  Is it the need to control or manipulate others?  Has your body and appearance become your god?  Do you have an addiction?  Are you idolizing something or someone that has dragged you away from the Lord? God wants us to throw these off and cut through the knots that have us entangled.

How do you become stronger and healthier?  Hebrews 12:2, tell us how, “Fix your eyes on Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith.”  It is all about getting to know Him more each day, learning and leaning totally on Him…your eyes fixed unwaveringly on Jesus.  He and He alone can lift the weights that have been holding you down.