The other day I wrote a motivational song about the importance of movement (Move On). Movement spurs growth. For instance, as soon as possible after surgery, patients start physical therapy because moving supports recovery in the muscular/skeletal system, the digestive system, and the cardiovascular system. It also guards against adverse effects like pneumonia or edema. For this note, I want to focus on a different, but related topic: range of motion or flexibility. Flexibility is a key component of overall physical fitness along with strength, speed, endurance, and balance. Like movement it has tremendous benefits. Not only does it bolster strength, speed, endurance, and balance, it also decreases muscle soreness, reduces stress and risk of injury, improves posture, and increases blood flow.
Stretching Opens Up Your World
Stretching is a great way to improve flexibility. This is not only true physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. That is because God loves us and wants our best which is to be with him and to be like him. So he created us to change, learn, grow and develop in all areas of life. As you push the boundary of what you think your muscles can do physically you gain the benefits of strength, recovery, and prevention. Likewise, when you stretch your emotional, mental, and spiritual “muscles” you experience growth in these same areas. In other words, stretching allows you to do things you normally wouldn’t because you are exposed to new areas, farther and deeper, and for longer periods of time. For example, when you stretch yourself to learn a foreign language, you expand the circle of people and cultures you can interact with. When you empathize and sacrifice to serve the needs of others, you grow emotionally. When you rely on God to joyfully face trials, he increases your resilience and refines your character (James 1:2-4).
Jesus is the ultimate example of the benefit of stretching when he lovingly stretched out his arms on the cross. By innocently giving his life to pay the death penalty for the wrongdoing of you and me, he enabled anyone who trusts in him to have abundant, eternal life. Simply incredible. I am forever grateful that Jesus has saved me and is teaching me the unsurpassed glory of being with God, becoming like him, and doing what he does to save others.
Stretch Through Spiritual Exercise
Just as you can peform physical stretches, you can also exercise spiritual stretches through daily practices. In fact, stretching spiritually is even more imporant than stretching physically. The apostle Paul told young Timothy this, “‘Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come’” (1 Timothy 4:8). The best use of your time, talents, and treasure is to invest them in ways that have a present and future impact. Learn from the example of children in their spiritual flexibility. Jesus taught that if you want to be great in the kingdom of God, in fact, to even enter his kingdom you must turn from your sin and have faith like children (Matthew 18:1-10). Become flexible through humility; don’t stiffen with stubborn pride. As the ultimate trainer, God knows what’s best. Follow his commands by surrendering to him and relying on him. To joyfully draw closer to God and to venture deeper into his kingdom activity of saving and restoring people, here are six healthy habits you can prayerfully incorporate by yourself and with other believers:
- Sing God’s praises with thanksgiving.
- Study his word (the Bible).
- Share his truth.
- Serve all people.
- Stand in the gap to intercede for others.
- Stay dependent on God.
Conclusion
Stretching not only benefits you physically, mentally, and emotionally, but also spiritually. God wants to stretch you so you can grow closer to him and closer to others. Although pushing past boundaries of your current experience can be painful, don’t shrink back or resist. It reaps a harvest of perseverance, righteousness, peace, and hope for those who have been trained by it (Romans 5:31-4; Hebrews 12:11). Through faith and spiritual exercise stretch. Allow God to accomplish his purposes in you and through you for his glory, for your development, and for the benefit of others.