The word slammed into me like a ton of bricks.
I knew both of my grandmothers had had it, so hereditary was not on my side. I also knew that one out of every two women over fifty was likely to get it, so age was not on my side. BUT, I thought my active lifestyle, my pretty healthy diet, my optimism, and my love of ice cream (calcium you know) would all tip the scales in my favor, and I would escape the dreaded diagnosis.
No such luck. The calcium had been slipping away over the years and my bones were becoming . . . well, as the word implies . . . more porous . . . therefore, more fragile.
Many of us, if we are not careful, can suffer from spiritual osteoporosis, a silent and insidious degeneration of our spiritual bone strength. It’s easy enough. We start with good intentions—daily devotion, prayer time, accountability partner, weekly corporate worship with fellow believers. But sometimes, over time, those begin to fade from our practice, or–– perhaps all of those stay in place –– but our hearts and minds slowly drift away, and though we optimistically think we are still taking care of our spiritual frame, bit by bit, little by little, its strength is being diminished.
Fortunately, osteoporosis is not a death sentence but an abrupt wake-up call. Pay attention, put the proper measures in place, and be vigilant and persistent. The bones can be strengthened and a healthy and active life maintained. But it took a scan to look into the secrets of my bones to see the danger.
Likewise, often the slow deterioration of our spiritual life is a secret to us and must be disclosed by another source: the quick, powerful, and sharp Word of God, the convicting presence of the Holy Spirit, or the admonition of a Christian brother or sister.
Though our first response might be denial or even anger, the appropriate response is to take it for what it is––a warning, a wake-up call, a chance to right the ship, to reinstate what is missing, and then to be vigilant and persistent. Then once again, we can enjoy a healthy and active spiritual life.
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