For the past 2 months, I have been discussing spiritual warfare with the boys in my youth group under the theme “Band of Brothers”. We have identified that we are in the midst of a war, that we are to function as a “Band of Brothers”, and that God acts as our General and has an overarching plan for all of humanity. Last week we focused on what our task or assignment within that “master plan” is and the importance of fulfilling our roles. Tonight, as we head into the final weeks of our study, I am having them focus on fitness, from a spiritual standpoint. Here are some of my thoughts…

A soldier’s level of physical fitness has a direct impact on his combat readiness. The many battles in which American troops have fought underscore the important role physical fitness plays on the battlefield. The renewed nationwide interest in fitness has been accompanied by many research studies on the effects of regular participation in sound physical fitness programs. The overwhelming conclusion is that such programs enhance a person’s quality of life, improve productivity, and bring about positive physical and mental changes. Not only are physically fit soldiers essential to the Army, they are also more likely to have enjoyable, productive lives.

There are several components of any fitness program. The three major components of most programs are flexibility, strength and endurance, and cardiovascular endurance.

In everyday life, what is the importance of being flexible? Strong? Cardiovascular endurance?

Flexibility is important to our bodies as we know that if we do not stretch and keep our muscles limber, they can tear when it comes time to exercise or when we start to get really active whether it’s soccer, basketball, football, etc. In the military, physical activity is a major part of the job description, especially on the battlefield. If you aren’t flexible and the enemy sneaks up behind you or your commander tells your troop to move to its next location right away and you take off running, chances are you’ll cramp up and pull something. You will probably end up not being in the best position for yourself or you may end up on the losing end of that particular battle all because you weren’t flexible. It is a necessary part of training.

Strength is important for several reasons. In sports we lift weights to get strong so that we don’t get pushed around – so that our opponent does not determine how the game is played. Think of an offensive lineman. His role is to use his strength to the best of his ability to the rest of his team in a better position to do their jobs. His strength benefits not just himself, as he pushes back the guy across the line from him, but his whole team. In the USMC and the Army, strength has an even greater purpose. Strength is required to carry the loads of equipment that you have strapped to your back. You have to be able to execute the plan and handle your assignment while carrying that load. And in those instances, when you’re in hand to hand combat with the enemy, you obviously have to be strong or you will be defeated. It’s as simple as that. There are no weak soldiers. If you are weak you will fall. Strength is a requirement in the midst of war.

Finally we come to the area of exercise known as cardiovascular endurance. One thing that amazes me the most about professional soccer players, particularly those who recently competed in the World Cup, is their cardiovascular endurance. Soccer matches are 90 minute games broken into halves with no timeouts and no commercial breaks. This means these guys are going at it almost non stop for close to 50 minutes at a time. Clearly these guys trained hard to get to where they are now because they understand that if their opponent senses any let down in their intensity, then the other team will strike at that moment when their guard is down. The exact same holds true militarily. In a war scenario, troops can go days and weeks when they are constantly on the move whether it’s in retreat from the enemy or in advancing to achieve a better position to attack from. If you and your fellow soldiers have not been in training, then your adversary will sense your weakness and either attack then or use that opportunity to escape from you before you can strike the final blow. It is very difficult, almost impossible to be an effective soldier without a good, strong heart.

So what does all of this fitness have to do with our Christian walk?

How do you think flexibility relates to our spiritual lives?

Similar to our physical bodies, we must continually “stretch” ourselves. Push our limits. There will come a time when we are required to exert ourselves spiritually more so than we are typically used to. If we have not been stretching our faith and our trust and understanding in the Father and His will for us then we will break like an old rubber band that has lost its elasticity. My next point also ties into this line of thought. We must remember to also remain flexible in our plans for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). As I am currently in the process of outlining my goals for the next few years, this applies to me as much as it does anyone else. If I am so proud, rigid and bound to MY plans that I am not humble and willing to submit to what the Father has in store for me then I will be broken in that as well. I may have wonderful plans that would uplift others. But it may not be His plan. Be flexible. Trust that He knows what is best.

What are some areas that require strength in our day to day walk?

Let’s recap examples we looked at earlier. For the lineman, strength is all about positioning. Whoever has the greatest strength will have the more advantageous position to work from. The lineman’s strength allows his fellow teammates to either, offensively, move further down the field, or defensively, pursue the offensive ball carrier and prevent him from advancing or making any progress. As soldiers of Christ, we are called to both advance his kingdom onward, making headway for our fellow brothers and sisters to join the cause and march onward with us, and pursue the Adversary to the gates of Hell and prevent him from advancing any further in this world which is rightfully our Father’s domain. Our other example was that of the soldier diligently working to achieve his tasks, all while carrying his heavy supply pack. The connection I’m attempting to make should be quite clear for this example. We understand the greater plan that God has for all of mankind. We understand what our assignment or role is within that “master plan” and what we have been called to do. However, just because we have this new found understanding, life will not all of a sudden become much easier for us. In fact, the burdens we must bear and loads we must carry may seem to get heavier. This does not nullify or make void our assignments, though. We have still been tasked with a duty, and it must be carried out or others will suffer as a result. This is when we must call upon not our own strength, but that of the Lord (Isaiah 40:31). The same strength and power that erases sin and conquered the grave is available to us each and every day.

What importance does endurance have to us as Christians?
And finally, we come to topic of endurance, particularly cardiovascular. Both the soccer player and the soldier must have strong hearts in order for them to remain functioning at a high intensity for long periods of time. Each of their opponents will be watching them to see if there is any let up in their fervor or discipline. At the precise moment that their guard is let down, the enemy will strike and all progress that has been made up to that point could ultimately be lost. Think in your own lives of the times when you’ve been on fire spiritually. Maybe it was a retreat, conference, or some other sort of rejuvenating experience. Those first few days or weeks after that event or moment you probably read the Word daily, prayed fervently, and were more likely to catch yourself in temptation before you went through with anything. But because the training wasn’t thorough or your heart may not have been totally into it, you began to slip back into old habits. Before long, areas that you thought you had protected and secured before, had now become vulnerable and open to attack by the enemy. David after undergoing such an attack, think Bathsheba, took the proper route in asking for a strong and pure heart and a steadfast spirit (Psalm 51:10). Only when our hearts are clean and in the right place will we be able to remain on fire for the Lord and repeatedly resist the attacks of the evil one.

This is the type of soldier the Lord seeks. One who is willing to stretch himself and mold himself to the will of the Father. One who calls upon His strength to endure the burdens of this life and fulfill our individual missions. And one who has a good heart and continually runs to seek the Creator’s face.

The training manual has already been given. The workout plan is clear. Are you ready to prepare for battle?