Thursday, July 19, 2012

Thursday’s Devotion: The Bible on Physical Fitness



Hebrews 12:11-13  No discipline is fun while it lasts, but it seems painful at the time. Later, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness for those who have been trained by it. So strengthen your drooping hands and weak knees! Make straight paths for your feet so that if any part is lame, it will be healed rather than injured more seriously.

I thought how true this scripture was for me on a literal basis.  I’ve been doing special exercises to strengthen areas of my body to help heal the tendonitis in my left foot and to prevent it from getting worse.  Part of that is even finding straight (or level) places to walk.  The exercises are not fun and some are painful, but they bring results.  Our member Archie is in rehab now after surgery to repair a broken leg.  I know his exercises are also painful, but will result in a stronger leg.  On a spiritual level, this scripture is talking about the Lord disciplining us.  We have to be careful about not blaming really bad things that happen to us like illness or death on the Lord’s discipline. However God will discipline us.  It will not be cold-hearted punishment, though.  God’s discipline is the correction of a loving parent.  Perhaps plans fall through, or we embarrass ourselves or find ourselves humbled.  So far as straight paths, we should make an effort at right – straight and narrow- living before the wrong things we’re doing harm us further.  Once again a short section of scripture proves to be rich in meaning. 
Thank you Lord for your instruction and discipline. May it make us stronger and more prepared to follow your will.  In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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