A young man once came to talk to me about his spiritual life. In years gone by he had tried it all—pot, alcohol, sex. You name it. But he was beginning to look at life more soberly and maturely. He told me some things that he is doing to improve his life. I was so impressed with them that I thought they were worth sharing with others.
1. He is seeking to get in shape physically. He runs a mile or two every morning. He is getting some good exercise so that he will be strong physically. That’s important! Exercise helps not only our physical but also our mental and spiritual health. Bodily exercise is not nearly as important as spiritual exercise, but it is important. Remember, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Keep it clean and fit.
2. He has set up a reading program. Every morning and every night he tries to read some good literature that will enrich his life. One of the greatest gifts God has given to us is our mind. The ability to read, comprehend, and retain knowledge is one of the marvels of all creation. It is an ability that belongs to man alone. We ought not neglect our minds. We ought to train them and develop them as much as possible. Don’t waste your time on trash and trivia. Read the timely and timeless books and you will never be the same again.
3. He is trying to talk to as many successful people as possible. He wants to know what they did to become successful. He wants to learn from them. He wants the joy of association with people who have made something out of their lives. It is sobering to realize, as Charles "Tremendous" Jones once pointed out, that "you will be the same person in five years that you are today apart from the people you meet and the books you read."
4. He has set aside a regular time for prayer and Bible study. He wants to shape up his soul as well as his physical, intellectual, and social skills. He is trying to fill his mind with God’s word and seek God’s will. Remember, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Feed your soul as well as your body and mind.
I left the visit with this young man refreshed at the potential of his life if he stays with this disciplined way of life. It reminded me of this verse: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”