To sustain physical exercise, one writer says define your purpose, set a goal, schedule workouts, think fun and variety, and reach out to others for support. Writing to Titus who served as pastor to Christians on the island of Crete, the apostle Paul told him how to motivate God’s people toward spiritual exercise and growth. We read this in Titus CH. 2, “The grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people.” Paul’s counsel to motivate spiritual exercise and growth is to focus on Jesus, on the price He paid to redeem us, to focus on His purpose for us in the world, and to keep our eyes on the return of Jesus the King. This focus helps us to promote God’s agenda of loving others, telling people about God’s offer to forgive us, and it inspires us to promote justice in our world.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
