Death of a Salesman

My cousin is a great cellphone salesman. He is always putting up amazing numbers and outselling his coworkers.

I could never do that. I would probably give them away. I asked him how he does it. Why can he put up amazing numbers when others can’t?

He said, “I know the phones, and share them with the customer. I know what every phone can and can’t do. If someone has a question, I have an answer.” He continued, “if you know something well and are excited about it, people will buy it.”

Duh <--was my internal response. Of course, this is what the Gospels have been saying for 2,000 years. Jesus knew the Father. He shared Him with the first believers and they couldn't get enough. The first believers knew Jesus, shared him with others, and they couldn’t get enough of the Son.

It’s still the same today. If you know Jesus, and share him with others, people will want him. How many of us take the time to get to know Him? Do we know Him inside and out?

One day we will hear 1 of 2 things. Well done, good and faithful servant..or Depart from me. I never knew you. People aren’t judged for their lack of service, but it matters whether we know Him or not.

7 Habits of Spiritual Fitness

1.) Trusting Jesus.

Trust God as you understand Him. This doesn't mean I understand God to be Jesus and you understand Him to be a lollipop, and as long as we have equal faith we will get equal results. This would be trusting in faith not—trusting in God. Not all gods are equal. Only 1 came back from the dead. The more you understand about Him (Jesus), the more you will grow spiritually. His is the name above all names. Accept nothing less.

2.) Helping Others

Do something nice for someone. Pay someone’s bill. Listen to their stories. or take them to lunch. Encourage someone. Be good. Lend a hand. Say a kind word. Compliment their hair or their outfit. Weep when the weep, and rejoice when they rejoice. Caring for others changes us like no other. Offer someone help. You both will be blessed.

3.) Praying Often

Talking to God does wonders for your spiritual life. He is your heavenly Father, your Counselor, and your Friend. Talk to Him about anything and everything. He is not pushy, and He always has great advice. Be real with Him and speak often. Thank Him when you’re happy, and plead with Him when you're in pain. Prayer works. It either changes your circumstances or it changes your heart. Most of the time, it changes both.

4.) Having Good Friends

Some friends are givers and some are takers. Some will bring you closer to Jesus and some will draw you away. Find some friends that will lead you the right way. Hanging out with good people will change you. You don't always have to be praying or singing praise to God. Anytime spent in the presence of a good person helps.

5.) Reading Good Things

Reading scripture and godly writing works on your mind. Scripture is life. It energizes and teaches you. Start with the Bible’s stories. Don’t get bogged down in biblical genealogies or obscure prophecies.  We remember stories better than lists of facts. Begin with stories about Jesus and His followers in the New Testament. The stories about God working with His people in the Old Testament are good.

6.) Confessing Your Junk

Yeah, I said it, confess. You may not go to a  priest to share your dirty laundry but you need to confess. Confession in scripture means, "To say the same thing." Acknowledging our wrongs is liberating. God promises if we confess we will be forgiven and cleansed. It works every time. Look for a godly person to confess to. Find someone trustworthy.  It may be a neighbor, spouse, pastor, or godly friend. Don't just spring your "junk" on them. Give them fair warning. Find the right time and place, and watch God work in you.

7.) Forgiving Others

It is easy to get stunted spiritually when you hold un-forgiveness. People waste their lives holding on to hate. We are called to love others, even if they don’t deserve it. We don’t have to trust them, agree with them, or have them in our house; but, we have to forgive them. Forgiving others brings freedom to ourselves. Forgive others and let God do something special in your life.