Focus Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-8
I had a personal trainer at one time. I was just about to turn 60 years old and decided I wanted to get-fit-or-bust. So I joined a health club and, as part of my health club membership, I bought six sessions with a personal trainer. The first day I met this guy, he was late, and when he finally arrived, he strolled up to me flaunting his washboard abs and biceps. He was flashing this grin as if to say “Here I am; you’re so lucky to have me!” And I was thinking to myself, “O, please! What did I get myself into?”
For my first workout, he had me doing things that would challenge a 25-year-old. He worked me so hard that I developed a sports injury and was incapacitated for about six weeks. Needless to say, I fired him. He didn’t know how to train a relatively out-of-shape, mature, somewhat unmotivated woman. So he trained me the only way he knew how – that was one size fits all. I did not have much success, and I think part of the problem was that this physical fitness trainer did not possess the characteristics he needed to get the job done.
So, what are the characteristics of a good personal trainer? The American Council on Exercise outlined seven characteristics for successful personal trainers:
- They’re focused
- They’re human
- They walk the walk
- They ask questions
- They educate their clients
- They don’t use too much lingo
- They provide homework assignments
People who possess these characteristics can help others build physical stamina.
I submit to you, however, that in times like these, we need not only physical stamina, but also spiritual fortitude, and many of us are woefully out of shape in this area. Often, we can’t do it alone. Especially, in times like these, we just might need a personal trainer to help us attend to our spiritual needs.