What SHAPE Are You In?

Keeping our physical bodies in shape is so important. Once they are out of shape it can be a big (and exhausting) challenge to get them back into shape (trust me, I know…). We must work hard and be consistent to maintain a healthy physical body.

I was thinking today about a different kind of shape…

S piritually

H ealthy

A ttitudes and

P ersonal

E xpectations

Oftentimes we have very high expectations of ourselves as Christians. We expect perfection and forget about grace.

We steadfastly remember Matthew 5:48 ~ “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” 

We know we are to be like Christ and beat ourselves up when we are not. While this attitude may be noble it’s really not healthy.

I tend to be an all-or-nothing kind of person. When I am working at getting back in shape and miss a couple of workouts I tend to get down on myself, throw in the towel so to speak and give up. I care less about how healthy I eat and become more sloth-like. Instead of correcting myself and starting fresh I give up.

Do you do this too?

How ’bout in your spiritual life?

If you miss your quiet time a couple of days, or don’t pray as diligently as you think you should do you get frustrated with yourself and let the time grow longer and longer between your time with Him? Do you spend more time beating yourself up than asking for God’s forgiveness and grace?

This has never been God’s intention for those He loves. Instead He asks us to look to Him for grace and forgiveness and start new again.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:23

So, just as I head out this morning to work on the shape of my physical body I look forward to returning home to work on my spiritual shape as well.

 

I hope you’ll remember God’s grace and compassion this morning and look to Him to keep your attitudes and expectations healthy today.

blessings and peace to you as you work on your shapes!

Paula