1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers,^[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.^[b] 2 Do not be conformed to this world,^[c] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.^[d] (Romans 12:1-2 ESV)

I am in the process of doing some physical therapy for a shoulder problem. Along with that I have started back with some weight lifting while it is too hot to ride my mountain bike here in Texas. As such, I have had some pretty sore days both with the shoulder issue and with my old muscles not used to the weight workouts.

Much the same way, we need spiritual workouts. To keep from being conformed to this world we can only find transformation and renewal through scriptural study, prayer and meditation on God’s plan and Word. Without this, like our bodies, spiritual muscle memory begins to atrophy. We become weaker and more easily manipulated by the enemy. We cannot substitute quite time with God and in the Word for anything offered on YouTube or social media. These things will only serve to atrophy our spiritual muscle.

Reflect on: How you are building your spiritual muscle.