A good personal trainer will emphasize the importance of a strong core.
The core of your body is the mid-section and includes your abdominal muscles as well as those in your lower back and ones that attach to your hips. Training and developing these muscles is very important if you want to have a healthy, strong body. A strong core aids in balance and stability, good posture, prevention of injury, and lifting heavy loads. Without a strong core, strong legs or upper body muscles are hindered since the core acts as a bridge between the upper and lower body muscle groups.
Our spiritual core is just as important. Seeking biblical understanding and wisdom will help us maintain balance and stability in our life when the hard times come. When we put our trust in the Lord, we will be able to stand tall and firm when faced with adversity. As we are trained to recognize spiritual attacks, we will be able to avoid the injuries that come from falling into temptation. If we have built up a strong faith, we will be able to move mountains!
All Show… No Go!
Like some athletes who work only the “show” muscles, there are some Christians whose goal is to be the one on stage, to be in front of the crowd, or have a well-known name. If they reach these positions but have not properly built their core they will be at serious risk of injury. When confronted with significant temptation they fail because they are weak at the core of who they are. They have nothing to support them.
“So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7
Make it your goal to have a strong core spiritually. Spend time in the word and with God. Allow the daily trials, temptations, and frustrations to strengthen you. As God strengthens you, the opportunities to serve will come. Each of us has a calling on our life and God wants to see us fulfill it. But just as an athlete has to train to reach a goal so must we.
Now go do some crunches while you listen to your audio bible!
MENTENTIONAL 