The addition of Hans and Franz to State Farm’s Discount Double Check slogan has infused life into this ad campaign. Known for their saying on SNL, “I want to pump you up,” Hans and Franz played by Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealson have become icons in today’s pop culture. However, long before these two were ever born, another writer crafted a spiritual blueprint for pumping iron.
Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. – Psalm 119:98
The warm up to working out spiritually begins with the commands inside of the Bible. When you read, reflect and mediate on God’s principles, you are exercising your mind. Subsequently, over time, through a daily workout routine, you can become wiser than your enemies if you commit to spending time in God’s gym, the Word.
I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. – Psalm 119:99
Following this warm up, an extensive study using commentaries, historical references and examining the meaning of Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic phrases is like pumping iron. Not like something that happens overnight, this discipline takes time to develop. However, if you are faithful, spiritual muscles will blossom in the form of insight, becoming equal to and perhaps surpassing your teachers in life.
I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. – Psalm 119:100.
Finally, the cool down requires practicing what you learn daily, Matthew 7:24. Unless you apply God’s Word, spiritual muscles will disappear into a fat and lazy soul. Therefore, if you want to become the Hans and Franz of the Bible, obey the Lord’s precepts and in God’s timing, you will have more understanding than the elders. God is waiting to pump you up; the only question is, are you willing to make the Lord a priority to see the results you desire, Matthew 6:33-34?
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 