Definitions & Assessment

DEFINITIONS

Spiritual

This refers to the aspects of our lives which interact with God, His kingdom and the kingdom of Satan. The effects of  These interactions will govern our relationships, priorities, perspectives, goals, attitudes, actions and responses to adversity and trauma.

Spiritual Fitness

This refers to qualities built into us through our relationship with God which enable us to strongly resist harmful influences or assaults (physical, mental or spiritual) and to recover quickly when our defenses are breeched, eventually taking us to a state that is stronger than we had known prior to our wounding. This gives us the ability to do things like:

• Bounce back after the tragic death of a close friend.
• Gain meaning and strength, even from tragedy.
• Convert pain and stress into purpose and productivity in service to others.
• Rise above and triumph over adversity we encounter.

Faith

This (in a Judeo-Christian context) describes the conviction that an eternal, loving, all-knowing, all-powerful, trustworthy Creator-God exists, and that He desires to interact with us, care for us, guide us, and transform us to be like Him. We hold these convictions even when they cannot be verified by our five senses. Faith enhances
spiritual fitness, prompting us to love, obey and worship God out of a sense of gratitude and to love other people as we love ourselves.

Christian Faith

This is the conviction that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Christians believe that His willing sacrificial death on the cross paid the penalty for our sin and made it possible for us to experience an eternal relationship with God through faith in Him. Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead verified His claims. True Christianity isn’t “pie-in-the-sky-by-and-by” or a mere philosophy, but a vital day-byday, moment-by-moment interactive friendship with God which enhances spiritual fitness.

SPIRITUAL FITNESS SELF-ASSESSMENT

Put a checkmark next to each statement you feel is true of you.

• I appreciate that there is a spiritual dimension to life. ___
• I believe that God exists. ___
• I have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. ___
• I know that, based on my personal relationship with Christ, I am forgiven. ___
• I am positive that if I were to die today I would go to heaven. ___
• I regularly draw strength, courage and wisdom from the Bible – God’s Word to mankind. ___
• I am part of a group of Christ-followers who provide me with encouragement, love, support and accountability. ___
• I pray consistently to communicate with God about challenges and opportunities in my life. ___
• I regularly tap into the power, comfort, guidance and counsel of God’s Holy Spirit. ___
• I am regularly motivated by the love of God to engage in compassionate, selfless service to others. ___
• With God’s help I am able to handle my losses and grief. ___
• With God’s help I am able to forgive those who have hurt me, and to forgive myself. ___
• When tragedy strikes, I use the power of Biblical truth to gain perspective, renewed purpose, and resilience. ___
• I am well-versed enough in my faith to help others deal with life’s challenges and opportunities. ___
• I am optimistic about my future because God is with me.  ___

Holding these beliefs firmly in your grip and living out your beliefs every day will build your spiritual fitness and resilience. This is a promise God makes to His people.