This morning I went to the gym to work out.  There is a small but not too small gym in our neighborhood community center next to the pool.  This morning I was there all by myself.  This is the first time since the first of the year that I have been the only one in there working out.  I am sure that the initial January surge was due to New Years’ Resolutions and people trying to work on their physical fitness and physical health.  No doubt many of them started out all excited and hit the ground running but now their enthusiasm has waned and other things seem more important.  Sometimes working out can be tough.

Whenever I think of working out, I am reminded of what Paul says in Philippians 2:12 “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”  When Paul uses the word “fear” he is not telling us to be afraid of God, he is speaking about having a great reverence for God and high respect for the things of God.  Paul is trying to encourage the church to take their faith seriously, to be concerned about their spiritual health and to work out and strive to conform to the image of Christ.  We are to study God’s word and grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ so that we can love others, forgive others and treat others with the same kindness, compassion and mercy that Christ has poured out on us.

If you started the year off striving to become more physically fit or spiritually fit, I encourage you to stick with it.  Don’t give up!  You will see some differences; your health will improve if you continue to work out.  I hope you have a great day.  And remember, it’s always a great day to exercise your faith.