Swim Suit Season

When is the last time you looked in the mirror? Not just a quick glance, but really checked it all out, from every angle, in a full length mirror?
(Think swim suit shopping). Did you see somethings that needed toning, areas to increase, decrease, rearrange? Was it easy to forget that image of yourself? Did you forget what "problem area" you wanted to improve?

James 1:19-27 challenges us to take that kind of long self-examining look in the mirror of God's Word.

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."(James 1:19-27 NIV)

We understand that we need physical exercise to be physically fit. But we need to exercise our faith by living out God's word in our lives. Most of us spend considerable time and money planning fitness goals and developing exercise routines and habits. We even have personal trainers to assist us if we desire. What if we put that same kind of energy and attention into having our actions reflect our faith? What if we planned time and resources to love on widows, kids and the poor in our areas? What if we cared as much about reflecting God's image as we do about our body image? I think the Kingdom of God would become more visible. I want to make changes in my life to prioritize spiritual health. As I look at the list of spiritual fitness indicators in the verses above I have some work to do. Talking (or writing) will not get the job done. I need daily habits and routines to shape this change in me. I need personal trainers to push me and remind me of my what God's Word requires. I will need to rearrange time and resources to accomplish this. The results will be worth it and the rewards eternal.