Rehab
Given all of the orthopedic issues I have had over the years, I have become a “reluctant” expert in physical therapy. Knee surgery, back surgery and two shoulder surgeries will do that to you. Having gone through this process a number of times, with probably more to come, I have noticed distinct similarities between a healthy body and a healthy spiritual life.
Surgery: When we get to a point to where there just isn’t really another good option, surgery is the way to go. I certainly do not regret any that I have had and am very grateful for each one.
This is true for us spiritually. The most important surgical procedure we will ever have is when we were given a new heart by the “Great Physician.” We could go on without doing do - hurting and doing things our way. Fortunately, we can surrender our wills for God’s will and wind up with a new eternal heart. What a deal!
Stretching: You all know how “religious” I am with my morning stretching routine. You probably think that it is due to self-disciplined and predictable behavior. The truth is that I am motivated to do it by the consequences of not doing it. As they say, fear is a great motivator! If I don’t stretch, I get stiff, sore and become ineffective for what I want to accomplish that day.
Daily stretching has great application in our spiritual lives. I love this quote:
We distinguish the man of excellence from the man who settles for mediocrity by recognizing that excellence comes to the one who makes great demands on himself. The mediocre man makes very few demands on himself. Jose Ortega Gassett
Think of how our lives might look if we are willing to stretch ourselves on a regular basis. Getting out of our comfort zones and being willing to stretch involves some risk. It also provides great reward when we are willing to do so. We are not called to be reckless and abandon the wisdom and discernment that God provides but prayerfully stretching ourselves in Kingdom work, relationships etc… can produce great fruit for others and ourselves.
Strengthening: One key way to avoid pain and injury is to strengthen our muscle groups surrounding vulnerable areas. When these areas have strong muscles around them they can rely on, it takes a lot of stress off of them. They will perform better and last longer.
Spiritual disciplines strengthen us in the same way. We build spiritual muscles of faith and perseverance that help us in times of trial. Spiritual strength is an asset to every aspect of our faith journey.
Jesus said “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt. 11:28-30
Our yoke: Another lesson that I have learned from the physical therapy world is that carrying around excess body weight is a detriment to healing and contributes to future injuries. Leaner and stronger bodies are the way to go and provide the best chance to avoid orthopedic issues.
In the above passage Jesus refers to His yoke (the crossbar set on oxen used to move heavy equipment). Jesus’s yoke is light because we are able to cast our cares and burdens upon him. We don’t have to drag them around. Jesus wants us to be unburdened by the weight of sin, guilt and unforgiveness.
Rest: Finally, it’s important to give our bodies rest. God designed us that way and when we go against His design, breakdowns occur. Rest helps our bodies heal, recover and prepare for our next adventure.
Rest and solitude with God are critical for spiritual growth. We can’t live a life of intimacy with Him without it. If we lack times of rest and quiet, we may even find ourselves valiantly seeking to know more about God but not seeking him directly. Jesus says that he will “give us rest,” but He requires us to “come to Him.”
Stay healthy,
Big E
Matt. 5:6