Stretching out
I’m trying to keep in shape by regular visits to a local Gym. Last week I decided that I would move on from the (relative) safety of the exercise class and tackle the weights.
It was a Big Mistake. The instructor said that we needed to stretch ourselves – and that if we could feel muscles burning, that meant something good was happening. Feel burning? Something good? Within the first five minutes, I was ready to stop, drop and sleep.
So, I admit that I’m not so good at stretching myself in the muscle department.
My muscles (I use the word in its loosest form) are – how can I put it? – a little lazy. When they shout in pain, I feel the need to take action; I’ve discovered they find great comfort from a Mars Bar. Or perhaps two.
I wonder if I get a little lazy about stretching myself spiritually, too. Serving Christ isn’t a job for spiritual couch potatoes. it requires the exercising of spiritual muscle, which isn’t always easy, particularly when we’re stretched in new directions. Remember, if you can feel burning, something is likely happening.
Each of us has something we can do well, and enjoy doing. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” We’re not being good stewards of our God-given gifts if we’re not using them to serve God, and to serve one another.
Try stretching. You might find new and fabulous ways to serve. I’m going to go out and try something new myself – but not at the Gym!
Creapher