You wouldn't think that Lou Joline needed any encouragement to keep running. At the age of 65, he has completed 61 marathons in 31 states and has been named one of the nation's top five "fittest over 50." But Joline can't do it alone. He relies on the support of three running clubs he belongs to. His advice to people who want to get more exercise is to make it a social event. "Get in with a group," he says. "If your friends are doing it, you're going to do it."

Although we may embrace that approach to physical fitness, many of us think we can make it on our own spiritually. Yet, if we're going to be fit in our faith, we need each other. In Hebrews we read, "Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (10:24-25).

Are you involved in a local church congregation? Do you attend a small group for Bible study? Do you have a friend with whom you can bare your soul and pray? Do you need to broaden your opportunities for fellowship?

If we're going to be spiritually fit, we need all the encouragement and support we can get.  — David C. McCasland