Endurance

So this morning at Holy Barre I asked the question, ‘Why are we here?’

Like why did we show up to class today. Now I realize for many you initially come to Holy Barre for a free faith-based full-body workout, but we pray that you soon realize this gathering is much more than physical fitness.

What are we wanting to get out of Holy Barre? What do we need today? Maybe some of us just need to breath deeply and slowly. Maybe some of us just need a mental break from the go, go, going. Maybe some of us need to process emotions we’ve been stuffing down. Maybe we just need to pray. Maybe we need to lift our praise. Yet ultimately, we all need to worship.

Worship is an endurance sport. Much like barre is known for building muscular endurance, worship builds our spiritual endurance. Because worship brings us back to what truly matters.

By your endurance, you will gain your lives.

Luke 21:19 CSB

In the statement above, Jesus was encouraging His apostles to stay the course, stand firm, and be ready as they continue on their journey of living for Him. Because life requires endurance.

Yet our world wants us to fall for the quick fixes and chose immediate gratification, especially in the world of health and wellness. But that’s not why we gather together through Holy Barre and Deeper Wells. I’m guessing like me, you’ve fallen for the lies and came out injured and tired. Our journey here on earth is not a sprint but a marathon, and slow and steady wins the race.

In Matthew 21:12-13, Jesus looses His cool and calls out those who have turned His temple into a den of thieves. Since I Corinthians 3:16 reminds us that our bodies are now His temples, how has our world turned our bodies into more of a business? Always selling us something?

In Mark 7:14-23, Jesus tells people to quick fixating on what they can and can’t eat. That’s not what matters when it comes to our souls. Whatever we eat and drink should be for the glory of God (I Cor 10:31)- He’s what matters.

In Matthew 23:25-26, Jesus explains how we can spend all our energy making our outer self look clean and pretty while our inner self is unhealthy and hurting. He knows our hearts are what matter. Rather than hiding and numbing, feel the feelings and let your real self be seen. You’re beauty-full.

Taking care of our bodies, working out, and eating healthy are all good and valuable things. But they can’t be the only thing. They do not nourish our souls and build endurance for our lives.

We worship as warriors in Spirit and in truth. We dig deeper wells (John 4).

We are on guard and alert (Luke 21:34).

We pay attention to our posture and put on the Armor of God each day (Ephesians 6).

We grow deep roots in His love to weather storms and create beautiful blooms (Ephesians 3).

We move to rhythms of grace (Matthew 11).

We remain in Him and bear bountiful fruit (Galatians 5).

We burn bright, better together (Romans 12).

We’re here for the marathon TOGETHER and are building endurance for His glory and our joy TOGETHER! Because . . .

Then! they’ll see the Son of Man welcomed in grand style – a glorious welcome! When all this starts to happen, up on your feet. Stand tall with your heads high. Help is on the way!

Luke 21:27-28 MSG