Thursday, September 19, 2024

Ben mentioned the word swolemate in his message this weekend. I thought he made it up, so I googled it. Sure enough, swolemate is an actual word! According to WebMD, a swolemate is “a trendy term for a workout partner or gym buddy.”

I love to work out at the Y, too. I don’t have a swolemate per se, but I usually bump into someone I know who pushes me to walk a little faster or stay on the treadmill a few minutes longer. That extra push helps relieve stress, and always leaves me feeling better.

While on earth, Jesus also surrounded himself with companions, the disciples, and challenged their thinking. He encouraged them to ask questions and be vulnerable. James, one of Jesus’ disciples, clarified how a receptive attitude in our Christian walk helps lead to a growth in our faith

James 5:16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Sometimes, we feel like we must present ourselves as perfect. But even Jesus showed vulnerability on the cross when he cried out, asking God why he had forsaken him.

This reminds me of a song that speaks to the importance of being honest, with ourselves and our spiritual swolemates.

“Truth be Told” by Carly Pearce and Matthew West

Lie number one, you’re supposed to have it all together

And when they ask how you’re doing

Just smile and tell them, “Never better”

Lie number two, everybody’s life is perfect except yours

So keep your messes and your wounds

And your secrets safe with you behind closed doors

But truth be told

The truth is rarely told, now

I say “I’m fine, yeah I’m fine, oh I’m fine, hey I’m fine,”

But I’m not, I’m broken

And when it’s out of control, I say “It’s under control,”

But it’s not, and you know it

I don’t know why it’s so hard to admit it

When being honest is the only way to fix it

There’s no failure, no fall

There’s no sin you don’t already know

So let the truth be told

Telling the truth can be difficult because we believe the lies. But when we join in community, as Jesus intends, we realize we’re all imperfect and can lean on each other in times of need.

Questions:
Who is your spiritual swolemate, and how have they helped you become better?

When have you opened yourself up and shared your struggles with someone? How did that compare to keeping it bottled up inside? Do you wish they had done something differently to better support you?

Are there individuals in your life who could benefit from your guidance? How can you reach out to them in the way they need?

Next Steps:
Make a list of your spiritual swolemates. Enlarge your community of Jesus followers you do life with by joining a Fall Group. They open this week!

Make a list of people you can help. Consider attending GrowthTrack. You will learn about your spiritual strengths and how you can use them to assist others.

If you haven’t yet, text WIN to 419-419-0707 to join our text campaign to be Stronger than Stress.

Prayer:
Dear God, I need help. I am broken, but it is comforting to know I am not alone. Help me to lean on you and others as I deal with my struggles. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Ephesians 3:16-17
¹⁶ I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. ¹⁷ Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

This post was written by Connie Disbro, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.