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A progressive routine workout can change your physical SHAPE. Just ask any bodybuilder. The purpose is to build, control, and develop one’s muscles through the practice of progressive resistance exercises. Bodybuilding takes conditioning, time, and effort. Some of the most notable bodybuilders include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Flex Lewis, and Steve Reeves. Since ancient times, bodybuilding has been a public display of strength. For example, statures like The Farnese Hercules, commemorate competitors of Egypt and Greece.
Improving One’s SHAPE
The outward physique of a bodybuilder is the result of inner workings. It is a mindset or willingness to re-shape. Regardless of one’s level, for the regular gym-goer and bodybuilder is about improvement – a better you. However, the program that one chooses is important to the growth process. The coach provides counseling on the number of sessions. They also advise on nutrition and work-out. This helps to gain the most benefit from the program.
The Spiritual Workout
In comparison, just as the bodybuilder or gym-goer, it takes a program for improvement – a better you. In the same way, there is a coach. He is the life-giving Spirit. The inner spirit who exists as the inward person. He works as a person within you. The spiritual workout is to SHAPE you. The result is to free you from the power of darkness that leads to death.
How the Plan Works
(1) Controller – The life-giving Spirit gives you control over sin. Humans have an appetite for sin because of our nature (flesh). We like immediate gratification. That gratification comes through our senses, i.e., eyes, hearing, taste, and emotions. As the indwelling controller, the life-giving Spirit helps us to develop self-control over sin.
(2) Revealer – We have thoughts (good and bad). The life-giving Spirit reveals our thoughts. Acting upon impulsive thoughts can be deadly. Our thoughts shape our actions. Thus, letting go of old habits is important. The life-giving Spirit will help us with these changes. Make better choices.
(3) Voice – He has a voice of effectiveness. He always speak the truth. He speaks through the scriptures and Godly messengers. The life-giving Spirit helps develop our inner and outer ears. This development leads to the overall purpose of obedience to God’s will for our lives.
(4) Cooperation – Our part is to cooperate with the life-giving Spirit. In the same way that the bodybuilder cooperates with the coach, we must also cooperate with the Spirit.
Not Perfection
Finally, it is not that we are perfect. It is that we are transforming into our SHAPE. In the beginning, we are out of our comfort zone. NO pain; no gain. This is because we are used to thinking only of ourselves. However, with the life-giving Spirit, our minds are renewing. We are taking baby steps and moving into adult transformation. From immaturity to maturity. SHAPE from the life-giving Spirit.
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