STRENGTHEN YOUR SOUL FOR LIFE’S JOURNEY

What if growing older meant getting more fit—not physically, but spiritually?

While our bodies naturally weaken over time, our spiritual lives can grow stronger without stopping. That’s the promise of sanctification—the lifelong process of growing closer to Jesus and becoming more like Him. It’s not automatic, but it’s deeply rewarding. And unlike physical fitness, our spiritual strength doesn’t have to decline with age.

In theological terms, “sanctification” is how God transforms us into the image of His Son. When we believe in Christ and our sins are forgiven, that’s just the beginning. From that moment on, God works in us, and we cooperate with Him through intentional effort and daily commitment—just like a fitness plan. “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified” (1 Thessalonians 4:3), and He invites us into the process.

Sanctification isn’t instant. It’s a gradual, often up-and down journey. Like building physical strength, it takes consistent training. Some days we make great strides while other days feel like setbacks. But through it all, God's grace keeps us moving forward—“being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16) and transformed “with ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

A Whole-Life Transformation

Unlike physical training that targets muscles or cardio, spiritual fitness affects every part of our being—our thoughts, emotions, actions, and relationships. Romans 12:1 calls us to offer our whole selves to God. That means spiritual growth isn’t confined to quiet time or Sunday morning worship. It involves work, family, friendships, habits, and even our hobbies.

Theologian Abraham Kuyper said, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ... does not cry, ‘Mine!’” Sanctification stretches across every square inch of our lives. That includes breaking free from destructive patterns and replacing them with Christlike habits. It’s not limited to the “religious” part of life. Instead, it overflows into creativity, leadership, learning, and service. Spiritual fitness transforms everything.

The Holy Spirit: Our Personal Trainer

Just as no one can become physically fit without guidance and help, we cannot become spiritually fit without the Holy Spirit’s work. He empowers us to do what we couldn’t do on our own (Romans 8:3-4), equips us with spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8), and applies God’s truth to our lives.

The Spirit is our personal trainer—guiding, convicting, strengthening. Through His presence (1 Corinthians 6:19 20), we’re being transformed and prepared for eternity (Ephesians 4:30). Every day, He helps us resist sin, speak truth, love well, and become more like Jesus.

The Rewarding Effort of Spiritual Fitness

While our bodies may slow down, our souls can thrive. Sanctification is lifelong. It involves hard work, yes, it is deeply satisfying. The rewards aren’t just in heaven—you’ll discover joy, peace, and resilience now.

So don’t settle. Don’t coast. Cooperate with God’s Spirit. Lean into the process. You might stumble, but you’ll keep moving forward, becoming the person God designed you to be.

Let’s cast aside spiritual apathy. Let’s grow stronger in Christ—by grace, through faith, and with the help of the Holy Spirit. Though our outer selves may weaken, our inner selves can be strengthened each day until the day we stand complete before Him.

Find help in sanctification and growing spiritually fit at backtothebible.org or get the GOtandem app in your favorite app store.