Guys,
Below is a devotion out of our Stand Firm magazine that I wanted to share with you. I thought it tied in well with our Men’s group, and was a good reminder of our small groups/connections on Sunday evenings.
I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding, and have the knowledge of God’s mystery–Christ (Colossians 2:2).
A 2008 Consumer Reports survey found that nearly 40 percent of people who purchase home exercise machines say they use them less than expected. Other research suggests that those who don’t own exercise equipment at home are more likely to stick with working out over time. This doesn’t mean a home exercise machine leads to less exercise. It just means that having home equipment is not the most important factor to getting in shape. Source: New York Times.
Personal Training
Ever try to lose weight or get in better shape? Dumb question. Most guys want a fitter physique. Many of us have purchased some sort of workout equipment. Sales for the home fitness industry totaled $4.3 billion in 2008. But now most of those treadmills and weight machines gather dust.
Part of a Group
The same principal works in building spiritual muscle. Many men want to become more Christlike. We join a church but slip into the service on Sunday morning and slip out when it is over. We don’t connect and don’t experience significant life change. What we need is a spiritual workout partner. Even better might be a group of Christians with similar goals and interests. Paul writes in Colossians 2:2, “I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding.” Believers have aways grown stronger in small groups. Small groups provide a place to firm up our faith–where we can question, share struggles, build friendships, and help each other through life’s journey.
Bottom Line
Small groups can help you grow into a spiritual muscle man.
Galatians 6:1-2
Taken from Stand Firm magazine, vol. 15, number 1, January 2010. Used by permission of Walk Thru the Bible. To order Stand Firm, go online to www.lifeway.com/standfirm.
