STAYING FIT Prioritizing
We all know how important exercise is for a healthy body. Anytime I visit the doctor I pretty much the same advise - eat well and exercise regularly. I knew that before my appointment but… We already know the right things to do! The problem is we either lack the discipline or have a hard time finding time for these things that are important. Today in our society there are more time saving devices than any other time in the history of mankind. Yet we still don't seem to have enough time. We're always in a hurry. It’s like the pilot in World War II flying over the Pacific, he radioed back, "I have absolutely no idea where I'm going. I'm lost. But I'm making record time." Have you ever felt that way? Busyness and productivity can be two completely separate things. Sometimes we need to just slow down a bit and get divine direction. Our spiritual health is just as (or more) important than our physical health. In order to stay fit you have to make selections and choices in life. It’s called time management! The Bible has this to say about time management. Ephesians 5:15,16 (Phillips trans.) "Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Well, first we need to make a mental note of the things that matter most in life - that’s prioritizing. Is God in the center of your choices. I mean, are you spiritually fit. 1 Timothy 4;7 (Phillips) says: “Take the time and the trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.” How do we do that? The best way to start getting spiritually fit is to include God in your daily life. After all, He is our creator and knows exactly the way in which we should go. The Bible is the best source of direction - do you read it? Prayer is the best way to communicate with God - do you talk to Him? The goal is to be fit - body, soul and spirit. It’s not rocket science, it’s actually pretty simple. Let’s line up our priorities and stay fit. Start off by praying: Lord, I know I can’t save time, stretch time or add time to my life, I just have to manage it. Help me Lord to make good use of the time that you have given me. I want to be physically fit and spiritually fit so I can complete the mission you have given me - Amen.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this message.
Pastor Fernando Villicana
Fire Service Chaplain