What’s at your Core?
Have you ever stopped and thought about what is really at the deepest core of who you are? I have to admit, most of the time I try to avoid getting alone with my own thoughts to the point that I ever get that deep. However, my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who knows exactly what I need, when I need it and exactly how to deliver it…can bring me to the point that I have to consider these “deep” thoughts. Let’s face it, if I am unwilling to allow myself to go that deep, He can certainly bring me to the circumstances that force me to go that deep.
With that said, think about your physical core and the muscles that support your body.
Core stability is the name given to the strengthening of the corset of muscles surrounding the back and abdomen. These muscles are also known as the ‘core’ and provide a solid base upon which all other muscles can work upon to initiate movement. A comprehensive strengthening program of these core muscles can be used for injury prevention, rehabilitation and sport performance-enhancement.
When all these muscles contract together they keep the spine in its most stable position (the neutral zone), and aid in preventing injury. They are known to contract prior to any limb (arm or leg) movement and so they function in keeping the centre, or core of the body rigid during all movement.
If our physical core muscles around the abdominal muscles and spine are the solid base for the most stable position and aid in the prevention of injury…wouldn’t it make sense that our “spiritual” core would play the exact same role in our spiritual life? I would think so.
As I said earlier, if I am unwilling to get deep with my own thoughts, the Lord can certainly bring me to the circumstances that force me to get deep. Which He has, thus why I am sharing with you.
As I have examined my work, family, and other relationships I have found at the core, NOT Jesus Christ, but other things. The main culprit that I find appearing over and over again is work. I think as men we tend to identify ourselves with what we do or our occupation. I made work my core, so when things at work are great…life is good. When things at work are bad and stressful…I am stressed and irritable. Even though having work at my core was not a conscientious thought, I should have known, putting my daily hope in something earthly and humanly like work is always going to result in disappointment. I should be focusing my “spiritual core”, my thoughts and attention on things that truly matter, not on passing worldly distractions that will pass away.
Col 3:1-3 says:
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Identifying my core with work has and will always leave me feeling empty and isolated. Just as my core physical muscles are key to injury prevention, rehabilitation and sport performance-enhancement…my spiritual core is also key to the prevention of wayward steps, aids in resisting temptation, keeps me stable and provides a base foundation for improved spiritual performance that God can use. Like an athlete, you cannot make it to the next level of competition unless you improve your ability. A firm foundation with your spiritual core is the springboard that God can use to bring you to a whole new level.
I wish I could tell you how it ends or even the best approach to make this happen, but all I can share is over the past two months I start each day with praying and inviting God to be at my core in my thoughts, actions, work, home and any other activity I have planned for that day. Not only do I invite Him to be at the core, I ask Him to show me how to let Him be at the core and teach me along the way. It is a learning process and I need Him to show me because I don’t know how to do it on my own.
Reference: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/corestability.php
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