The Sponge Effect

“Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.” 1 Timothy 4:7, 8 NLT

“You have osteoarthritis,” the doctor concluded. After waiting six months to see this specialist of rheumatology, I now had the explanation for my “various aches and pains”. As the reality sunk in, I was both glad and sad. Glad to have my random bouts of pain validated as real, but sad to learn that there is no cure, only daily management of symptoms. With a list of recommended resources to investigate, I started up the steep learning curve of the challenge of daily pain management.

One interesting fact is the role that cartilage plays in joint movement. Cartilage is the slippery, sponge-like tissue that acts as a cushion between the bones of a joint, allowing for ease of movement. When the joint is at rest, the cartilage nourishes itself by soaking in the surrounding synovial fluid, just as a sponge soaks up water. Then, when in motion with the bones pressing against each other, the waste fluids are squeezed out of the cartilage. Wonderfully, frequent joint movement keeps cartilage healthy. By contrast, without movement, the cartilage breaks down allowing the joint’s bones to rub against each other causing inflammation and pain, which is osteoarthritis. With such an amazing yet simple explanation of joint function, I am very motivated to follow advice number one: exercise daily! I want to keep my joint “sponges” from degenerating any further.

The Apostle Paul agreed that physical fitness is important, but he also stressed to his readers that spiritual fitness is even more important. So, what exercises can we do in order to have our spiritual life in line with God’s eternal plan? Of course, this answer fills many, many books, but a simple list works well. Before we begin a routine of daily spiritual fitness, we must have the right starting point. Initially, we humble ourselves before God by acknowledging that His Son, Jesus Christ, came to earth as a man to die on a cross in payment for our sins (1 John 4:9, 10). Then, we may proceed with daily spiritual exercising which includes:
1. reading God’s book, the Bible, as it is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives (2 Timothy 3:16). Not only read the Bible, but also meditate on its truths and take its precepts into our hearts (Psalm 119:97, 98);
2. confessing our sins and changing from our ungodly ways. Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and do not depend on our own understanding. Seek his will in all we do, and he will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5, 6);
3. love God (Deuteronomy 6:5), love our neighbours (Luke 10:29-37), and love our enemies (Matthew 5:44).
Now, we could list many more exercises, but in keeping the list short and easy to remember, we may stay focused on keeping our spiritual fitness in the “excellent” category. Within each exercise are many details for strengthening our faith.

Just as I am motivated to exercise daily for physical health, as a follower of Christ I am even more motivated to keep up with my spiritual exercises. My spiritual self yearns for nourishment on a daily basis and is thankful for the benefits. Inner joy is received when God speaks to me through my daily Bible time. A fresh start on God’s path comes after confession, followed by a calm assurance that rests over me when I trust in Him. A sense of belonging and purpose follows when God’s love flows through me. In addition, eternal life with Jesus in heaven awaits me in the afterlife.

Lord, thank you for revealing the secret workings of our physical bodies. Continue to keep my body working like a sponge - soaking in nourishment from healthy foods and regular exercise. Even more, Lord, thank you for revealing yourself to me through the Bible. Continue to keep my heart like a sponge – soaking in spiritual nourishment from your Bible and your very presence. I pray for my readers that they, too, will seek you and keep themselves spiritually fit as each new day dawns. Amen.