My Desires
Exercise – Part 1

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:12-16

Key Verse: 1 Peter 1:13

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

The Apostle Peter is speaking about exercise, a subject which would catch the attention of our modern society.  Americans are driven to look a certain way and health clubs are full.  There is nothing wrong with physical exercise; in fact God wants us to take care of our bodies—keeping them strong and healthy.  However, the Apostle Peter reminds us to focus on an area that needs exercise that most people don’t want to think about: self-control over our cravings and desires.

Peter wrote to “think clearly and exercise self-control.”  When we are thinking clearly, we realize how important it is to practice denying ourselves fleshly desires that lead to sinful habits.  Having sexual desires is normal and a God-given part of our lives.  However, we must control all our human desires to keep them from ruling over our morals.

Are you ready to do some exercising today?  When temptation comes your way, remember to exercise self-control; put those spiritual muscles to work.  God will help you, but you must put forth your best efforts to control yourself!  The apostle tells us to “look forward to” the second coming of Christ; when Jesus comes down, will you be ready to go up?

Father, I will stretch my spiritual muscles today, saying no to all ungodliness.  In Jesus’ name, amen.