Time to Go Back
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of[b] the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2)
Over the time of pandemic I had not been back to Planet Fitness until the past two weeks. Someone noticed I was not keeping up with my commitment. Many people lost pounds during the pandemic but I did not… I gained. Keeping up with our fitness or our health isn’t easy. We must endure the sweat to be in shape and health. I must admit, this is what I really need to do. It’s time to go back to the gym.
Paul spoke of our spiritual health in a similar manner. Even our spiritual health is regarded as something to be accomplished… a race to endure in order to win. As in our physical health, “perseverance” is what it takes to be spiritually fit. But our faith is often hindered by the challenges we face in life, and the sin that we fall into it, known or unknown, intentional or not, often sways us from the root of our faith. We need to go back not only to the gym but to the church, and to the root of our faith. Let’s keep up with both for the sake of our health.
God, the Lord of our life and our faith. I pray for those who are weak or worried, suffering or sick, depressed or doubtful because of their health that they may gain strength and be restored. In life or in faith, we need both to balance a healthy life. Help us to persevere in all that we face so to win the race of health and eternal life. Amen.