3-2-1 Go!

Tonight, I shared something with my kids that’s been pressing on my heart: we need to avoid comparisons. Too much of our time is spent comparing ourselves with others.

However, I realised that comparison can also be a healthy way of learning by using comparison to help us create a sound worldview. A friend of mine often uses the metaphorical phrase: “Play the movie to the end…” when considering a specific situation. This is a reliable tool when evaluating situations and comparing the different “movie” outcomes, where each movie is based on a different worldview. This article does not compare the different worldviews but describes what I have learned from applying and growing in my selected worldview.

Four essential concepts frame my view of the world. 

1. Creation of man (purpose and identity)

2. Fall of man (corruption and sin)

3. Redemption of man (Imputed righteousness through grace)

4. Restoration of man (holiness of man)

These essential concepts revolve around three co-equal and co-eternal persons sharing the same divine nature. Yet, each person fulfils different roles within this unity, known as the Trinity.

Therefore, comparison is helpful for selecting a new car or deciding what worldview best suits you. 

However, while we live in a world that forces you to compare yourself directly or indirectly to others who tell you where you fit on the social totem pole, I found that my worldview was a much better place to find self-worth and personal security. Let's call this the development of Spiritual fitness.

What Does Spiritual Fitness Mean to Me?

When we talk about fitness, we often think of exercise and discipline, but spiritual fitness goes much deeper. Spiritual fitness is more like a relationship. It is abiding in the Trinity. 

By living a life abiding in Christ it cultivates through us the Fruit of the Spirit. This brings in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the values of Christianity, the markers of a life lived close to God.

But how do we develop spiritual fitness? It starts with an awareness of the Holy Spirit—inviting Him to be a constant presence in our daily lives. It means being open to His leading, applying the Gospel not only in our own hearts but in our interactions with those around us. It’s grace in action, thankfulness in the mundane, and love for others, ourselves, Christ, His Word, and even our enemies. Through this way of living we receive revelations.

Applying the Gospel: From Revelation to Action

I often wonder, "What do I do with the revelations I receive?" Spiritual growth isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about application. It’s about turning what we learn from Scripture into the way we live. When God reveals something to me, whether through His Word or life experiences, it’s a call to action. Am I embodying His grace and love in my family, with my wife and kids, and even toward those who hurt me? Am I living joyfully, not because of my circumstances but because of who He is?

Obstacles to Spiritual Fitness

Of course, just like physical training, there are obstacles to spiritual fitness. The biggest one? Time. With the pressures of life, it's easy to put spiritual growth on the back burner. Planning is crucial. We make time for the things we value, so why not prioritize time with God, studying His Word, praying, and listening?

Another obstacle is the distractions around us—the “godless myths and old wives' tales” that 1 Timothy 4:7 warns about. Today, these could be the endless streams of information, social media, or even cultural trends that pull our focus away from God. We live in an age where myths are often disguised as truth, and these false narratives can easily shape our thinking if we’re not careful.

A Seared Conscience and Spiritual Blindness

In 1 Timothy 4:2, the Bible talks about a conscience “seared as with a hot iron.” To me, this speaks to the danger of becoming numb to sin, to the point where it no longer bothers us. When we’re constantly comparing ourselves to others, we can justify our wrong choices because “at least we’re better than them.” This attitude can sear our conscience, leaving us spiritually blind. It’s a stark reminder of why we need to guard our hearts and minds with God’s truth.

Training for Godliness: A Lifelong Discipline

So, what does it mean to “train yourself to be godly”? Why does Paul use the metaphor of sports training to describe the Christian life? I think it’s because training requires discipline, intentionality, and perseverance. No athlete reaches their peak without effort, and the same goes for our spiritual lives. It’s not about earning our way to God—that’s the beauty of grace—but it is about being intentional in how we live out our faith.

Training for godliness means making daily choices that reflect Christ’s character. It means growing in the knowledge of the Word and letting it transform how we think and act. It’s about moving beyond comparison and into a deeper, more personal relationship with God.

Beyond Comparison

At the end of the day, I want my kids—and myself—to understand that spiritual fitness isn’t about how we measure up to others. It’s about how closely we walk with God. The world tells us to compete, but God calls us to rest in His grace, knowing that our worth is found in Him alone.

So, how shall we live? Let’s stop comparing and start cultivating our own spiritual fitness. Let’s live with grace, thankfulness, love, and joy, drawing closer to God each day.

Your Turn: What does spiritual fitness mean to you? How can you apply the Gospel more deeply in your life today?