“24-Hour Fitness” is the name of a chain of fitness
clubs. It is also a ‘fitting’ description of the Holy Spirit’s work in us. Jesus
said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is ‘fit’ for the
kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). The Holy
Spirit makes us ‘fit’ by stretching us, like leather, like new wineskins” (Matt. 9:17).
Speaking of "fit," having lost 25 pounds since last Fall, I have few clothes that do. And since we were going to attend my niece’s wedding,
I had to go shopping for something to ‘fit’ me, but would
also would be ‘fit’ for a wedding. Now speaking analogously, this last year has been a real stretch for me. But hopefully, it has made me more ‘fit’ for God’s work, and better ‘fitted’ for the Spirit's infilling.
Paul practiced 24-hour fitness, always straining and stretching toward what lies
ahead”
(Phil. 3:13). He also acknowledged that fitting and stretching, though painful, was necessary
(Heb. 12:11) in order that someday we all will be properly 'fit' together in Christ (Eph. 4:16).
In high school everyone wanted to be in the ‘in’ crowd, wear ‘in’ clothes, and be seen at the ‘in’ places. Though I did have one friend who was ‘in’, I was definitely ‘out’—condemned by those on the ‘inside.’ In hindsight, I realize this was why I eventually became a ‘drop-out’ in the 60’s. (Of course at the time, we didn’t realize we were just creating a new ‘in’ group).
Why was it so important to be IN? Because to be ‘out’ was to be rejected. To anyone who has ever felt rejected, the words of Paul are music to our ears: “There is therefore now no condemnation [rejection] for those who are IN Christ Jesus” (Ro. 8:1). Christ makes those who are IN Him acceptable to our Father. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has ... made us accepted IN the Beloved” (Eph 1:6).
If this is true, why do so many believers still care so much about ‘fitting in?’ Paul warned the believers not to be conformed (trying to be IN) to this world (Ro. 12:2). But many are trying to be in because they are controlled by the old feeling of rejection. Ask the Lord to examine your heart and reveal your conforming behaviors: things that show you do not yet fully believe you are accepted IN Christ.
