A common phrase you hear from competitive people is: ”Get your head on”.  Those words echo in my memories of competitive days as an athlete and bodybuilder.  In the season I’m in now, I’m not as competitive or locked in mentally.  As I’ve become a senior citizen (ouch), it’s not so much about intensity, although that’s important.  I lock in now, by being more intentional with my workouts.  I’m tuned into my injuries more now than ever.  I take more time to warm up.  I’ve incorporated exercises which work my stabilizing muscles.  It’s become less about power and more about function and longevity.  That’s my new version of getting my head on.

If it’s true that we are spiritual beings as well as being physical, then perhaps we need to get our heads on spiritually too.  This is very different than the physical element.  Physically, cranking up some motivating music may help get into that motivated state of mind to exercise.  Spiritually, we would do better to find a quiet place and search for the calm that eludes us.  Then we would be in a better space to seek God.  Physically, we have metrics to help assess our health and fitness status.  We have our body weight, body compositions, blood work, cardiovascular tests and measurements.  What metrics do we have spiritually to help us notice if we are off track?  How about the fruits of the Spirit?  Or better yet, the lack of the fruits.

In Galatians 6:22-23 we’re taught, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  When we notice that our behavior or habits do not reflect the fruits of the spirit, we need to pause.  We need to capture that behavior and release it to our heavenly Father.  The next time you find yourself feeling depressed, recognize it.  Then prayerfully surrender it to our Father.  Ask that He restore your Joy.  The next time you’re caught up in anger or hatred, capture it.  Then surrender it prayerfully and ask that the “love” of Jesus take up residence in your heart, in a fuller manner than before. Checking ourselves spiritually is not just a head issue, as much as a heart issue.  As we continue to grow spiritually, there should be a noticeable difference in our countenance.  That outward projection of the fruit of the spirit is evidence that you’re on track.  We look for progress in our physical pursuits, we should see progress spiritually too.  Don’t get frustrated because you haven’t sprouted your angel wings or feel much different.  Remember, like most things, growth, weather, physical or spiritual is a process.  Enjoy the process and rejoice that you have the knowledge of who Jesus really is and that He is faithful.