Fit us for Heaven

Last weekend I went on a leadership campout with some other adults and youth in the area. The group is organizing a large week-long event later this summer, and the campout was a way to build unity and teach leadership principles.

As part of the camp we went on a short night-time hike. Though it wasn't very long, I considered it steep, and thought I would slow the group down. I thought about the large week-long event and how we are planning an 8-10 mile hike as part of that camp. In my head, I started to consider what I needed to do differently before then to prepare myself for that longer hike.

And then a line from a Christmas hymn came to mind.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care
And fit us for heaven to live with thee there
"Away in a Manger"

My imagination took over for a while, and I imagined heaven as a very mountainous place. I would be very uncomfortable in such a place. Those who are fit, however, would be just fine moving about on the steep trails.

I like the idea of being "fit" for heaven. Fitness isn't something that happens overnight. It isn't something that happens just because you want it to. It isn't something that someone else can give you. It isn't something you can obtain once and have it forever - it is something you have to work at continually. Fitness involves both doing things to become fit, and giving up things that are unfit.

Becoming fit is a great is very similar becoming righteous and communing with God. It is not something that happens instantly. Like exercise, it happens over time. It requires daily attention, the forsaking of bad habits and creating new ones. It involves schooling our desires. 

And - since we are talking about getting fit, I'll end with a scripture about working out. 

27 O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him. (Mormon 9:27)