I try not to eavesdrop, but sometimes I can’t help it.

The other day, while I quietly worked out at the gym, a man remarked how surprised he was to see his neighbor enter the room. “Yeah, well…. I figured that it was about time that I got in shape”, the neighbor said, “This old spare tire of mine just won’t fall off by itself!”  The two kibitzed for a tad before they each went to their separate routines.

As I sat there, silently pushing my weights, I thought about my own journey into fitness. After a friend made a light-hearted, but ultimately hurtful jab about my weight, I felt the need to re-balance my physical life. Habits of eating and lethargy had begun to take hold in my life, and they were showing themselves in depleted energy levels and increased scale numbers. But if I am being honest, I had already noticed the beginnings of my own spare tire.

Maybe it is because I’m a priest, but listening to the neighbors’ comment got me thinking about spiritual health as opposed to physical health. Are we as attuned to the dynamics of our spiritual life as we are to the physical? Do we notice the presence of “spiritual spare tires” – the weights and burdens that sap our strength and keep us from living the life that Jesus invites us into?

The beginnings of our spiritual spare tire can be hard to notice, but as it grows, its effects become evident. For me, drifting away from spiritual health makes me more negative and judgmental. The slightest misstep or hiccup causes me to flare in anger or frustration. Internally I roll my eyes more frequently at my friends and family. Similarly, my prayer life begins to slide. I find creative ways to avoid my devotions, and the bible becomes a closed book upon my desk. Overall, my spiritual life becomes not an expression of joy and freedom, but one of “ought’s” or demands. Such a change in demeaner and spiritual temperament is noticeable.

Just like our physical health, our spiritual health is vitally important. Our life with Jesus is meant to be active and vibrant, and our interactions with Jesus should make us feel alive and energized. 

When I started going to the gym, my wife stenciled a bible verse on the book where I record my progress. 1^st Timothy 4:8 says, “bodily training is of some value, but godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” I stare at this verse as I move through my workout. The verse reminds me that I can’t ignore my spirituality life. The verse also challenges me to care about my spiritual health as much as I do about my physical.

As you enter the dawn of a new year, where does your spiritual health fit into your plans?  Are there practices and habits you can do that will move you deeper in your Christian walk? Where might God be inviting you to do some spiritual training?

To begin such reflections, ask yourself the following questions:

• What does your current spiritual “diet” consist of? Are there things that you do that move you away from God’s presence? What might a more balanced spiritual life look like?
• Are there symptoms of spiritual unhealth in your life? Are you listless in prayer? Do you find reasons to avoid spiritual activity, such as reading the Bible, prayer, or going to church? Is there a “spare tire” that saps your spiritual energy?
• How might you grow your connection with Christ? Like deciding to join a gym or a yoga-club, is there an action that will move you in the right direction?

Engaging in practices or “exercises” that unite us to the Spirit has a positive and lasting impact upon us. Paul says that our spiritual health is profitable for everything in our lives. When we live in a deep and abiding connection with Christ, the overall satisfaction in our life increases.

Jesus desires a healthy and robust relationship with us. We are invited to enjoy our life with him, and the joy and freedom that such abiding brings. And just like our physical fitness, this way of life can begin with the smallest of steps.  One small action, repeated over time, can make a world of difference, And before we know it, our spare tire will be a thing of the past.