A few of us at the church are members of a local health club. We try to workout about three times a week. We have a great time fellowshipping with each other; and the  training allows us the opportunity to indulge in some hot wings without a negative impact on the waistline (so far!)..

   Even at the health club there are spiritual lessons.  As I said, we are normally there 3 days a week, every week throughout the year. We have noticed a phenomena that occurs every January through mid-March each year; the club gets packed with people! They've made New Years resolution and they are in there encroaching on our weekly routines.

   They are all sizes and shapes (remember everyone is in some shape!). Some look like Rocky preparing for a fight, with their color coordinated gear, headbands, workout shoes, iPod and occasionally the weight belt. Others are being led around by trainers teaching them to use the equipment and check their heart rate. My partners and I stand patiently waiting for a piece of equipment to free up, so we can proceed with our regiment of hot wing enabling repetitions.

   Then, every year like clockwork, it happens. Those "dedicated" athletes drop out of sight. Many of them won't be seen again for another 10 months. They found out the training was hard, and created sore muscles; it required discipline and sacrifice. You can workout with a partner but the soreness must be endured alone. Their goals demanded more than they were willing to give so they decided to pack it in. They quit!

   Now, guess happens in church every year? January through March sees a resurgence of members and visitors intent on getting their spiritual life in order. They want to establish or renew their relationship with God. We re-introduce them to the other spiritual-athletes and the "equipment" and show them how to check their spiritual heart rate. As the saying goes, they're ready to charge hell with a squirt gun!

   Then it happens, March, April, May the exodus begins. They found the training hard, and a demand for discipline and sacrifice to build a real relationship beyond their desired commitment level. They're "Christian" enough at church but when they have to stand with Christ at work, home and school the temptation to pack it in is too great. They quit!

   Can I challenge and encourage you; a life lived for Christ will demand discipline, sacrifice, and commitment. It isn't easy, but if it was easy, you could "do life" without God. There are pressures, heartaches, trials and burdens that life will bring. But the life God wants to "workout" in you will be the greatest most satisfying, purpose enabling life you could ever imagine!     

                                                       Pastor Ed Mathews