Dear friends,
How many of us have watched a great sporting event or a stunning performance in dance or gymnastics and thought: Wow—that takes real strength, discipline, and effort? I know I have. There’s a kind of reverence we feel when witnessing someone’s years of training come alive in a single moment of grace.
Interestingly, I’ve felt that same reverence when watching certain people simply walk through life—with calm, dignity, and deep compassion. There’s something about them that feels anchored, humble, and radiant. I’ve often asked myself, What do they have that I feel I’m missing?
That question has led me down the path of exploring spiritual fitness—not just belief in God, but a daily practice of growing into who God created me to be.
What Is Spiritual Fitness?
A definition I appreciate comes from a wellness project called Spiritually Fit Co-Op:
“Spiritual fitness is about developing your coping and resilience skills through understanding your own beliefs and how you interact with the world.”
“Whatever your spiritual orientation—or your opinions on religion and spirituality—you have a set of beliefs through which you live.”
In other words, we all have a spiritual framework. The question is: Are we nourishing it? Are we putting it into practice?
Growing in the Image of Our Creator
Bill Wilson expressed it powerfully in Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (p. 63):
“Any person capable of enough willingness and honesty to try repeatedly Step Six on all his faults—without any reservations whatever—has indeed come a long way spiritually and is therefore entitled to be called a man who is sincerely trying to grow in the image and likeness of his own Creator.”
To be spiritually fit is to be engaged in this sincere effort—trying, growing, stumbling, returning, and serving.
Morihei Ueshiba put it bluntly:
“Life is growth. If we stop growing, technically and spiritually, we are as good as dead.”
Service Is the Gym of the Soul
Spiritual growth, like physical growth, comes through regular, deliberate effort. As Mosiah 5:13 asks:
“For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served?”
We don’t become spiritually fit by merely reading about Christ—we become spiritually alive by walking with Him, especially in how we treat others.
Just like muscles grow through resistance and repetition, our spirits grow strong through acts of love, patience, and sacrifice. Gandhi said:
“To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others.”
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous echoes this truth:
“Helping others is the foundation stone of your recovery.” (p. 97)
Ordinary Acts, Extraordinary Growth
Some of the greatest spiritual progress I’ve experienced has come while doing simple things—answering the phone when a newcomer calls, sponsoring someone through their steps, or helping serve food to those in need. These aren’t grand gestures, but consistent ones. They shape the heart.
“Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good; try to use ordinary situations.” – Jean Paul Richter
“He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11
We don’t need a platform or a pulpit—just open eyes and willing hands.
Loving Others Draws Us Closer to Christ
When we love others, we don’t just reflect Christ—we meet Him there.
“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” – Matthew 25:40
“Charity is the pure love of Christ… and it endureth forever.” – Moroni 7:47
Service is not just the result of spiritual fitness—it’s the method. It softens the heart, clears the mind, and deepens our trust in God.
The Daily Discipline That Matters Most
We live in a culture that celebrates physical fitness—and rightly so. But the Apostle Paul reminds us:
“Take time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit. Bodily fitness has a certain value, but spiritual fitness is essential, both for this present life and for the life to come.” – 1 Timothy 4:8 (Phillips translation)
President Henry Eyring once taught:
“Now is the time to prepare to meet God. Just as an athlete prepares daily for game day, when we work on our spirituality daily and give our all to the Lord, we strengthen our testimonies of Him and of His gospel.”
Closing Thought
Spiritual fitness is not about perfection. It’s about showing up, stretching the soul, and allowing love to guide your actions. Every kind word, every act of listening, every humble service is a repetition in God’s gym.
Walk with Him today. That’s how we grow strong.
Grace and peace to you always,
Amen
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