By Drake Hunter | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
Every meaningful relationship requires effort, whether in marriage, parenting, or professional life. A thriving life doesn’t just happen; it takes work. The same principle applies to our relationship with God. Many recognize that salvation is a gift—freely given, not earned. And that’s true! Through Christ, we receive Justification, Adoption, and Regeneration—the objective and subjective aspects of salvation and all are freely granted, forming the footprint or foundation of our salvation. But here’s where it gets real: there’s an ongoing aspect of salvation called sanctification—and that, my friends, is where the spiritual sweat kicks in.
Sanctification is the divine workout regimen for every believer, requiring daily effort, endurance, and sometimes, a bit of holy soreness. It’s the spiritual gym where we train, stretch, and grow stronger in our union and friendship with Christ. And if you’ve ever hit the gym, you know one thing to be true—no pain, no gain. That’s precisely how sanctification works. It’s a process, not a one-and-done deal. Being spiritually fit in Christ isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s hard work. Don’t let anyone sugarcoat it for you. Sure, salvation is simple—believe in Jesus—but living it out? That’s a battlefield, not a cruise ship. Imagine being part of an elite military unit—Navy SEALs, Army Delta Force, Air Force Pararescue—the best of the best. These warriors don’t get there by sitting on the couch binge-watching shows; they undergo grueling training, enduring physical and mental trials to be combat-ready at all times.
Likewise, a faithful Christian life is not for spiritual couch potatoes. It demands discipline and resilience. The Apostle Paul understood this when he declared: “To know that I belong to Him [Christ]. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ. All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised Him to life. I want to suffer and die as He did, so that somehow I also may be raised to life.” — Philippians 3:9-11 (CEV). Paul wasn’t interested in a comfortable, easy life—he wanted spiritual strength, the kind forged in the fires of trials, and unwavering faith.
If sanctification is our spiritual workout, then we need a training plan. So here’s your Spiritual Fitness Regimen—designed to keep you in top condition as you grow in Christ: First, daily devotion and Bible study are considered spiritual nutrition. You wouldn’t fuel your body with junk and expect peak performance, so don’t starve your soul! Feast on God’s Word daily. Second, prayer and communication – a warrior stays connected to the Commander. Prayer isn’t just asking for stuff—it’s your lifeline, your strategy briefing with God. Next, fellowship and accountability – no elite soldier fights alone. You need a squad—your church family, mentors, and friends—to train, encourage, and push you forward. Yet another step, faith in action – muscles grow through resistance. Faith strengthens when exercised—so serve, love, forgive, and step out in faith even when it’s tough. Finally, we have perseverance through trials – every hardship is a workout session, training you to endure and trust God more. Pain isn’t pointless—it’s preparing you for spiritual greatness.
So, here’s the challenge: Are you spiritually training or just spiritually chilling? Sanctification is a lifelong process, requiring commitment, discipline, and a warrior mindset. Are you willing to embrace the hard work of following Jesus, even when it hurts to set yourself apart for God’s purpose (Holiness)? This week, take one step forward in your spiritual training. Maybe that means waking up earlier to read the Word, committing to a deeper prayer life, or stepping out in faith in an area you’ve been hesitant about. Whatever it is, push yourself spiritually—just like in the military, only the dedicated grow stronger and are set apart.
No pain, no gain. No shortcuts. No regrets. Suit up, train hard, and live the life God designed for you—strong, disciplined, set apart, and fully alive in Christ!
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.