“Come, let us worship…” (Psalm 95:6 NLT)
Before big gym chains came into existence, there were a couple of gyms we could visit to go through a workout routine. Health improvement was not our objective, we just wanted to be hunks. Ha! Anyway, these gyms were not well lighted and today’s workout regulars, the folks who won’t miss a day of going through their rigorous workouts, they would laugh at the small space in the old facilities I’m referencing. Their laughter would rise if they were able to see the sweaty mats, smell the stench-like aroma, and stare at the stingy lighting that we endured. There were no television monitors, no electronic devices on treadmills, and nothing even close to the state-of-the-art equipment that they have today. There were no purified water fountains. There was no concession stand filled with health drinks, smoothies, protein bars like you might find in today’s gyms! Today’s workout enthusiast would scream out loud, “Primitive!”
My first visit to that exact type of gym, a place where muscle bound men walked around shirtless, making newcomers like myself feel puny. All you could do it flex a much as you could and hold your breath as long as you possible to keep your stomach from standing out, no I should say, puffing out. I worked out and thought it was a breeze when I got through, on my first visit. I said to myself right after the workout, “That isn’t so tough! This is nothing!” That declaration was in my mind in the early evening. The same declaration disappeared when daylight showed up the next day. My very own body called me a liar. I could hardly move my arms or my legs. My hands were balled up into a fist and I had to take some time to get them functioning right. Was it a wonderful workout! Not in my opinion! I lasted about three days as a workout “regular.” Good thing we paid by the day back in the days, in my experience.
Now let’s look at attending church today as a workout. You can workout your cares and worries. You can get in shape, and you will have help doing it from the best Helper ever. Others at the workout will actually speak to you. What a fellowship! It’s a wonderful workout! Instead of yelling in pain, as was the case at the old-time gyms, you can shout out with joy! While you could not always tell the difference after going to the gym as you stared in the mirror, when you come out of worship, you come out better! It makes a difference! It is a wonderful workout!
Even the things that are hard to take during worship because God is specifically trying to mold us and shape us is viewed differently. We see possibilities and not problems! We see destiny and not dismay! It’s a wonderful workout. Before leaving, instead of hearing people cursing, as was the case at the old-time gym, you can go out with a blessing bestowed on you! I’m telling you; it is a wonderful workout. You will be able to cast aside some sins that will interfere or entangle your feet as you go through the week! You can shed some heavy weights of sin! It’s a wonderful workout! If your heart is right, and you are in your right mind, you will not even consider not coming back for more. Worship is a wonderful workout!
Now that you know that, let me ask, “What are you going to do this morning?” I thought so! Glad to know you are going to your workout! And when you have trouble, just remember, “Jesus can work it out” for you! Be blessed!
“So, let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” (Hebrews 11:22-25 The Message Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King