October 17: The Health Club Reminds Me of Church!
Matthew 7
Amplified Bible (AMP)
7 Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves.
2 For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you.
3 Why do you stare from without at the very small particle that is in your brother’s eye but do not become aware of and consider the beam of timber that is in your own eye?
4 Or how can you say to your brother, Let me get the tiny particle out of your eye, when there is the beam of timber in your own eye?
5 You hypocrite, first get the beam of timber out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the tiny particle out of your brother’s eye.
Members of the health club come in all shapes, ages, sizes, and fitness levels.
Members of church come in all shapes, ages, sizes, and spiritual fitness levels.
How long one has been a member of the health club has nothing to do with how in shape or healthy they are.
How long one has been a Christian has nothing to do with how serious they are about their relationship with God.
Some seem very serious about their fitness goals, some not so serious.
Same as church.
Sometimes, I am walking on a treadmill right next to someone who's jogging, for instance.
Or vice versa. I am the one who's jogging, and the person next to me is walking slowly.
I may question in my mind why they are walking so slowly, but maybe they have just had surgery or have intense joint challenges. Who knows?
Same as church. Some seem to be so much farther along than others, but by their outward appearance, one really can't know what their life challenges have been.
Some fellow health club members are very friendly. Some are very cold.
Same as church.
One sees a lot of the same faces, and many new faces.
Same as church.
Some health club members are very enthusiastic!
Some seem to be dragging themselves through the doors.
Same as church.
Some treat the health club as a social club - they only belong because of their friends or have family memberships.
Same as church.
The serious ones look and act different than everyone else. In fact, some health club members seem downright odd. Health nuts, they are sometimes called.
Same with church. I've heard the term "religious fanatics".
Some are very encouraging! Some are very competitive.
Same as church.
It's hard sometimes! Sometimes we want to just give up!
Same as church.
Sometimes we look around and feel like we don't belong. Others are in much better shape than we are.
Same as church.
Sometimes we feel like we are striving hard, but seeing no results at all! Others seem to be doing so much better.
Same as church.
I could go on, but you get the picture.
Basically, I must not judge myself harshly. Or judge others harshly. Not at the health club, and especially not at church!
I must focus on my own walk with Jesus. Instead of peering around at others.
Bottom line is, the winners at the health club never quit.
Same as church.
Matthew 24:13
Amplified Bible (AMP)
13 But he who endures to the end will be saved.
"Dear Jesus please whisper words of encouragement in the ear of that one today who is feeling like giving up. She hasn't reached any of her goals lately. She's been sleeping late and shooting up a quick "Please forgive me!" prayer on the way to work. Things are NOT going very well. She's under a ton of stress. She's having fearful thoughts. She is not sleeping well... that's why she's not waking up for prayer in the mornings. Things seem to be spinning out of control. Please assure her You desire a relationship with her and You are working things out. All she needs to do is to run into Your arms! I praise You for what You are doing right now. Thine is the glory! In Jesus Name, AMEN."
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