The following is related to an earlier devotional post on “fuel”:  input generally determines output.  If you’re not familiar with this series, you may want to review some of the foundational articles and videos on W.A.I.T. training and specific posts on “fuel“.

There are 24 such subjects on this website.  You can use the search function to read the devotionals and related Scriptures, view training videos, and even watch contemporary Christian music videos on the same subjects.  Simply place your smartphone or tablet on the reading deck of your favorite cardio equipment in the gym, or prop it up in a safe place as you and a friend exercise at home, or even project it onto a smart TV through wifi or bluetooth for larger groups.

I offer the applications below and others only as examples of how you might physically express spiritual principles.   They are not magical formulas or guarantees.  Neither are they substitutes for God’s call to gather with other believers for worship in a local church, to study His Word and pray privately, to fellowship with other Christians throughout the week, or to serve the hurting and lost.

In the metaphor of physical fitness, consider this series as a “supplement” for your spiritual health.  I do believe, however, that these articles and related video which simultaneously feed our spiritual, physical, and relational health can be very practical.  After all, the Lord created each of us as a body with a spirit for relationships.  And remember, always consult a physician before beginning any new exercise program.

Suggested applications for meditation on “fuel”:

Most doctors agree that it’s a sound principle to drink or eat what your body needs first. Dessert and snacks should come later, if at all. Fill yourself with water, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, low fat proteins (fish, egg whites, low fat dairy products, chicken, etc.), and eat slowly. Our body’s nervous system needs about 20 minutes for our brain and stomach to talk to each other and communicate that we’ve had enough. If we eat too quickly, we‟re more likely to overeat.

If we need to pace our consumption and monitor our nutrition, this can also raise the questions, “Are we pacing ourselves to take in what God has provided, or are we just cramming ourselves with whatever is close?” Are we deciding our spiritual and relational diet by whatever pleases us, or are we referring to His menu to discern what’s good for us? Are we taking our time, trusting that He will provide the next course or are we stuffing ourselves fearing that we must really take care of ourselves? (Exodus 16:12-24 and Deuteronomy 8:2-3)

Our physical “auto-pilot‟ can reveal our actual convictions – true or false, good or bad. All of us tend to turn to physical things to recharge us when we’re down, but do we need or just want them? We must eat the foods that we know are good for us, stop when we’re satisfied (as opposed to stuffed), and accept the hard reality that any “hungers‟ that remain may reflect a spiritual war. These are practical ways to express that God tells us what we need; He will provide what we need; and life in Christ means turning from slavery to the world.

Remember, too, that we have to fuel up before we need fuel.  If we wait until we‟re empty to feed on God‟s Word, to drink in His Spirit, to enjoy His sacraments, and to fellowship with His people, it may be too late to find the strength we need in that moment. We must be proactive to keep a steady diet in the Body of Christ. When we fill up on what we need, we’ll have less room for tempting physical and spiritual junk.

We must also be intentional to fill our souls with relationships that encourage our spirits. All of us need foods with proteins to repair and build muscle and fruits and vegetables with natural sugars for energy. In the same way, let’s be intentional to take in relationships that repair and build our joy in Christ.

Legumes and grains give us fiber to assist digestion and provide slow-burning energy for perseverance. Shouldn’t we be just as intentional to take in relationships that help us break down life into bits that we can stomach so we can keep going?  Water replenishes us when we’ve given of ourselves in daily living and helps flush impurities from our system. Shouldn’t we be just as intentional to drink in relationships founded on Living Water to renew and cleanse our spirits?

Maybe your group could have a meal together after your workouts. You could talk about food choices and even plan, purchase, and cook the meal together at your local church or chapel. You could also organize a community run with W.A.I.T. training T-shirts and follow up with a continental breakfast of boiled eggs, whole grain cereal, gluten-free alternatives, juice, fruit, oatmeal, etc. Then have one of your group members give a brief devotional from Scripture on the importance of God‟s Word and Spirit being our “fuel”.

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