Sneak Peak #6 - From Day 35 Of "Faithful Fitness"

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Passage  

If anyone knows the good they ought to do and does not do it, it is sin for them. 

(James 4:17)

Meditation

There are many verses in the Bible that turn the world on its head. This one may be a contender for the chief among them. 

James expands the idea of sin from obvious “acts of commission” (what we actively do wrong) to include “sins of omission”—the failure to do what is right.

Sin is anything that separates us from God’s divine plan. In Greek (the language of the original New Testament letters like this one written by James), it is an archery term (hamartia) that means “to miss the mark.” 

The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.[1] What makes a Christian a “Christian” (little Christ) is belief in the “gospel” (the “good news” that committing our life to following Christ annuls our sin and gives our life eternal purpose) and the faith to live out that belief daily. Come what may.

Despite the sins that you’ve committed that separate you from God, if you make Jesus the Lord of your life and commit to walk in His way, you are no longer separated from God the Father. You are redeemed to live life abundantly,[2] and more, a life worthy of the calling you have received. Hallelujah! Amen! 

Can you picture Jesus before you as He was before the adulterous woman?[3] Compassion in His face and grace in His eyes. Your accuser put to shame and the fervent charge from the Son of God Himself about how to live the rest of your life. ”Go, and sin no more.”

So what’s the big deal with this verse? What’s the difference between sins of “commission” and sins of “omission.” And what does this have to do with your fitness journey?

If you were asked to give some examples of what sins in your life Jesus has absolved you of, you would likely cite sins of “commission.” 

Lying, cheating, stealing, adultery, elevating the things of this world above God, taking pride in yourself and unearned blessings, etc. You understand that as one walking in the footsteps of Christ daily, these are not helpful in Jesus’s mission for you to be love and light in the world. 

But what about the things you know you should be up to but you’re just not doing them?

Nearly the entire categories of sinful failure in the stewardship of your health and fitness fall under sins of omission. 

“I know I should clean up my diet, but …”

“I know I need to do cardio, but …”

“I know it’s best to stop trying to do this on my own, but …”

James is kicking all of these buts right out of the way in this one verse. 

If you are living in the redemption of Christ with the charge to go and sin no more, there is no room for buts. Omission and commission are equivalent disruptions to the will of God in your life. 

And it’s not just your life. Every soul your life is meant to touch for God’s kingdom is affected too.

Friends, coworkers, family, fellow believers, strangers—even your enemies. You inherently understand that stealing money from, being jealous of, or killing these individuals doesn’t usher in the miraculous power of God’s kingdom into this world. (Ten Commandments!)

In the same way, you must understand this: your lack of follow-through in what you already know you ought to be doing is robbing you and everyone around you of a life more abundant. 

When the Holy Spirit presses a righteous action on your heart, don’t wait for a guilty conscience or even worsening health! 

Just like James said. Just like Jesus did.

It’s time to get after it.

Discipline 

The discipline of awe requires that you actively put into practice what you know you ought to do. How do you know what you ought to do? Start by seeking God’s will in prayer. Then sharpen your aim by walking in community—with believers who pursue health with intention and with a coach or teacher you trust. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal just one thing you’re avoiding, and act on it. Then share the answer you receive with your community. If you don’t have an answer right away, that’s OK. Share that too! 

Prayer

Father God, thank You for the purpose You made me for. Thank You for the calling You’ve placed on my life and for providing a way for me to be redeemed despite my sins against You. Your ways are perfect, just, merciful, and loving. I worship You! Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice and Lordship in my life. I want to walk in Your abundant way. It’s difficult but good. Holy Spirit, show me what I ought to be up to every day. Help me practice good stewardship of my body, mind, and spirit. Teach me the what, the why, the when, and the how of health and fitness, and give me conviction and steadfastness so I am a servant who knows what needs to be done and does it without excuses! I don’t want to miss Your target for my life. Draw me into community with other believers who are growing in discipleship, and give me teachers and coaches to spur me to live a life worthy of this sacred gift—the calling to holiness I have received in Christ Jesus. 

In His holy name, I pray. Amen. 

 [1]Romans 3:23.

[2]John 10:10: “I have come so that …”

[3]John 8:2–11.