For the past ten years or so, fitness has been one of my favorite hobbies. By fitness, I mean the whole package—health, exercise, nutrition, you name it.
I’m a total sucker for any new book that highlights some cutting edge breakthrough in health. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to watch out for sweeping statements. You know, claims like this is THE diet for everyone or this is THE workout plan to maximize strength.
The reality is, we’re all unique. Take the Mediterranean diet, for example. The idea is that many of us have ancestors from the Mediterranean region, so our bodies might thrive on a similar diet. It’s in our genes, right? And while that’s true for some, it doesn’t mean it’s a one-size-fits-all solution.
I think there’s a spiritual parallel here. You could say we’ve inherited certain spiritual “genes.” Maybe we don’t often think of it that way, but there’s something to it. Struggles, strengths, and spiritual tendencies often run in families. Part of that is genetic, sure, but it’s also shaped by family culture and how we were raised.
When it comes to devotions, I think it’s important to remember that while there are certain foundational truths, there’s also room for flexibility. Just like our bodies respond differently to various diets or exercise routines, our minds and souls may respond uniquely to different devotions.
Our job is to discern what works for us—to find God in the ways He speaks to each of us individually.