Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Fit as a Fiddle
Today’s Verse:
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. ~3 John 2
One of the many idioms that we use to describe us is the phrase “fit as a fiddle.” By this, it is meant that a person is in very good health. This idiom has its roots in a fiddle that is fine-tuned and plays very well. It is important that we maintain good health through diet, exercise, good habits, and controlled stress. In a similar way, our devotion this morning centers on the importance of good spiritual health.
We see a preference.
“I wish above all things....” John was an older man and, perhaps, in declining health due to age and persecutions that he had to endure. He was not thinking about himself. He was thinking about his good friend and protégé, Gaius. Of all the things that he wished for him, the number one thing that he desired was that Gaius would have good health physically and spiritually. He spoke about Gaius prospering in soul. I believe that God desires that we prosper in soul. I believe that God wants us to be spiritually healthy and strong.
We see a prayer.
This was not just a winsome statement. This was also a prayer. Paul prayed that those he had won to Christ would “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work.” Our prayer for other believers is that their spiritual lives would be strong and do well. Knowing the temptations, trials, and tendencies that every Christian faces, it is noble for us to pray for the spiritual wellbeing of fellow believers.
We see a practice.
“For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.” Gaius prospered spiritually because he emphasized walking in the truth. Walking in the truth requires diligent time in God’s Word through personal study, student discipleship, and attendance at preaching services. It involves keeping oneself from people that could sidetrack you through gossip, idle talk, debating about the Scriptures, and backbiting. It includes the discipline of praying without ceasing. It mandates making the witnessing of our faith a constant practice.
We see a product.
John said that he had no greater joy than to see his children walk in the truth. Gaius was living out the fullness of the Christian life! The report concerning his testimony was that he was walking in the truth. He was constant, stable, and anchored in his doctrinal beliefs, his devoted behavior, and his dedication to business. He exercised hospitality to missionaries, preachers, and believers who needed a place to lodge. He helped make the load of others lighter. He set a good example. He inspired others to be pure in their lives, be principled in their decisions, and be practical in their service. He was someone who was fit as a fiddle! The crowning achievement of every pastor, teacher, and parent is seeing those they have been spiritually entrusted with walking in the truth.
Are you someone walking in the truth? What are your practices like? What are you doing for the Lord? Do your behavior and beliefs match up? Is your life one that bears a good report? Are you fit as a fiddle?
Have a spiritually well God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Judges 6-7
Comments