Hey everyone,
 
            Many people are watching the Olympics this summer.  It is the first time since the modern era of Olympics, which started in 1896, that the event has been held on an odd year.  Because of Covid, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are being played out in 2021.  However, whether it is on an odd year or an even year, one thing is certain, you are going to see some of the best athletes in the world competing in their chosen sport.  And whether it is in basketball or swimming or rhythmic gymnastics or skateboarding, those athletes are going to be in the greatest shape of their lives.  A lot of time, care and energy are put into making sure the athletes are in astounding physical health.
 
            In the book of 1 Timothy, Paul tells his young protégé, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
 
            Where is your spiritual health at these days?  How do you know if you are spiritually healthy or not?
 
            Like physical health, there are some clear signs that our spiritual health is suffering.
           

• Are you living in fear these days?
• Do you find yourself complaining about your life?
• Does God seem distant or absent?
• Is sin winning out more often than not in your day-to-day experience?

 
            These are some indications that your spiritual health may not be in a good place.
 
            What can we do if our spiritual health is ebbing?
 
            There are three things that are essential to being a spiritually healthly person.
 
            Over the next three weeks, I want to address those three things.  Here is what they are:
 

• Stop doing what hurts our spiritual health.
• Continue doing what builds our spiritual health
• Rely on the work of Christ in our lives through the Holy Spirit 

 
            Let’s talk about the first one today.
 
            We must stop doing what hurts our spiritual health. 
 
            Just like an athlete says no to many things that could negatively affect their physical health, a Christ-follower must say no to things that could negatively affect their spiritual health.  Obviously, we need to say no to sin, to the things that scripture clearly says are wrong.  We can’t embrace what Jesus opposes.  When the Christians in Corinth were treating each other poorly, especially when it came to the Lord’s Supper, Paul says, “That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.”  When we embrace what is obviously wrong, it quickly diminishes our spiritual health. 
 
            There are other things, however, that are more in the gray area, yet they can diminish our spiritual health, too.  Maybe it’s watching movies or scrolling on social media or even golfing.  For some people, certain activities are fine, while for someone else, those same activities eat away at their spiritual health.  As we seek Jesus, He will reveal those things to us.  Our part is to pay close attention to what the Spirit of Jesus is saying and respond in obedience.  No sacrifice is too great if it means increased spiritual health. 
 
            I am excited about all of us living spiritually healthy lives.  Pray for each other and pray for me that we will experience all that God wants us to.
 
            This weekend, I will be teaching on Jesus’ fourth I AM statement.  He said, “I AM the Good Shepherd” and, again, His words stirred up a lot of trouble.  Let’s investigate that together to find out why!
 
            I hope you all have a great weekend and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
 
            I love being your pastor.
 
Pastor Tim