“Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit.” 1 Timothy 4:7 (TLB)

If you want God to use you, then practice the habits that strengthen your faith.

The Bible says in the Living Bible paraphrase, “Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit” (1 Timothy 4:7).

I wonder how many people wake up thinking, “I get to exercise today!” I certainly don’t. But I do know that we all need both physical and spiritual exercise. I also know this about exercise: I want the most benefit I can get out of every minute I exercise, whether it’s physical or spiritual.

To get the most out of your spiritual exercise, practice these four spiritual habits that will strengthen your faith.

Study the Bible. You need to study the Bible for yourself. You can’t depend on someone else’s study of God’s Word. You need to spend time in it on your own. 

The Bible says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT).

God’s Word is the “get ready” manual for life. If you want to get ready for God to use you, you’ve got to study the Bible.

Read books that help you grow spiritually. Proverbs 19:8 says, “Do yourself a favor and learn all you can” (GNT). That means learning from God’s Word and from people who have faithfully followed him—books that inspire you, challenge you, and strengthen your faith.

Write out your testimony. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have” (NCV). Just like nobody else can study the Bible for you, nobody else can tell your story. There are four parts to a testimony: what your life was like before you came to Christ, how you realized you needed Christ in your life, how you committed your life to Christ, and what your life is like now.

Join a small group. “Encourage each other and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT). When it comes to strengthening your faith, few things compare to regular contact with a small group of believers you know and trust. If you are not in a small group, find people you can share life with and who will support you as you grow in faith.

These four habits will help you stay spiritually fit so that you’re ready for God to use you. Which one will you start practicing this week?