"Time for a workout" or "Religious Significance"

Call it inspiration. Call it an epiphany. Call it too much caffiene, too late at night. As I lie in bed, last night, trying to drift into dreamland, my mind was filled with too many thoughts. I pondered these questions: Am I living my life in a way that would make me spiritually significant? Why is it that when people want to achieve at the highest level they can, they train for it but, as a Christian, I seldom seem to train for reaching a higher level of acomplishment?

I realize that many people would argue that to become a Christian is to complete something, but I believe that becoming a Christian is merely the beginning of a lifelong journey. The beginning of a training regimine that brings about constant change in strength and understanding. I could not be considered a successful linguist if I purchased an English/German dictionary, and learned a few popular phrases. I would be innept and totally unprepared to move to Germany, and live in a Bavarian Mountain town where no one spoke English. I would learn slowly to communicate, of course, but would not think of working as an orator in that town. I would not be prepared. However, if I were to prepare myself, beforehand, then I would be more able to possitively affect those around me. Should Christians not train as an athlete trains? That is, with a goal of being the 'best' at ones calling.

My chiropractor, Dr. Ryan Calhoun of Clemson, has a philosophy of treatment that he calls "Maximised Living" I think goes along with this. (http://www.calhounwellness.com/5-essentials/5-essentials-overview.html)%20He He tells his patients that they should maximise in 5 key areas: Mindset, healthy nervous system, quality nutritian, excersise the body, and remove toxins.

So then there were these questions: Can I purge my life of those things that hinder my growth, as a Christian, while simultaneously filling the void with influences that could enhance my spiritual growth? Could I (should I) abstain from literature, music, news and entertainment that is non-growth-related while substituting genres that would enhance my goals? How do I succeed without forcing others into my experiment? In other words, What can I do that helps me to grow spiritually without being counterproductive. No one wants to be a fanatic, right? Although the person who stands on the street corner and preaches at everyone that goes by is totally commited, he is probably not very fruitful.

Some years back, I felt as though I had plateaued in my Christian walk. My good pal, Keith Williams, and I decided to try an experiment. We decided to fast for 40 days (not a complete fast, mind you, but a significant one). This was on top of our prayer and Bible reading. I really experienced  a breakthrough. I guess I have come back to the place where I am tired of mediocrity, in my spiritual walk, and need to break through to something more. I am tired of playing in the minors and need to condition myself to move up to the big leagues.

Legalism is not my motive or goal. Spiritual growth is. It would involve growth in all areas...the total me, so to speak. Therefore spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth are all on the table. It would involve being proactive instead of reactive. It would involve giving up some things that might not be wrong, but aren't neccessarily right for me at this time.

I am committing to 1 month, to begin with. Call it a new year's resolution, but I am going to do it. Like an athlete in training. I want to avoid the wrong stuff and increase the right stuff. I will read my Bible each day and converse with its author more. I will commit to detoxifying my mind by turning off the TV when the programing is not in keeping with the building process. Can I learn from it? Does it edify? Is it uplifting? Radio, which I listen to during my 80+ mile daily commute, will have to fall under the same scrutiny. Internet use..Oh how I will miss Farmtown for a while. Excercise, oh how I loathe thee...at least at first. But we will become reacquainted. I will get proper rest and reduce stress. I will plan and complete what I need to accomplish. I will spend more time with family and friends. By the grace of God and with his help, I will improve me!

I want to be spiritually significant. I don't want to arrive at the end of my life and merely know that I survived. I want to be able to state, with fervor, that "I had an impact on the lives of those around me! I made a difference!"

I need a partner or partners who will join me. Together is always easier than sepparate, if for no other reason than accountability.

OH MY GOD!

What's with people who chastise others for using the phrase "Oh my god!"? I have heard people correct others for the use of this phrase with the admonition of "You should never use the Lord's name in vain." Really? Are you that uninformed? As you know, My name is Michael. I am a teacher. My name is not teacher, nor do my students call me "teacher". They call me by my name. God's name is YHVH. To some, that is translated as Yahweh, while to others it is Jehovah. His title is God, but not his name. Furthermore, some religions believe that the name of God is to be reverenced and protected from vain use to the extent that they are careful not to speak the name except in very religious circumstances. When someone says the name "Jesus Christ" as a swear, I agree that this is using the Lord's name in vain.

Mote and Beam, brothers and sisters, mote and beam. What ever happened to "2 Timothy 2:15 (New Living Translation) Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

I could be wrong. But at least I err in trying to figure it out. I figure that has to be an improvement on taking what I am told and just passing it on without further research.

What do you think?