It wasn't advice I wanted to hear. In order to rise above my current level of fitness and reach my goal, I'd have to increase the intensity of my workout. Ugh! Push myself harder, sweat more, endure pain, and be willing to vary my routine. I'm a creature of habit, so I didn't exactly embrace the change that was required. But after just one week, I can say with a smile, that I'm glad I did!
The advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages. More energy, better focus, and just an overall sense of taking better care of the body God has given me, trumps the extra effort, sweat, pain, and change I was dreading. Honestly, I can even say that changing up my cardiovascular activity has been surprisingly pleasant.
It didn't take me long to see the application. It's easy to get comfortable in my spiritual life. But God desires for me to be sanctified - the process of becoming more like Christ in my attitudes, ambitions and actions. Simply put, He wants me to grow. But I know that becoming more Christ-like will involve hard work. It will involve introspection and evaluation, and that can be painful. I'm tempted to stay right where I am - but the voice of my Savior from the pages of scripture, woos me to get up and continue to follow Him.
I can learn a lot from the Psalmist David's approach to this matter, "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow" (Psalm 51:6-7; KJV). I can learn volumes from this king described by God as, "a man after his own heart," (1 Samuel 13:14).
Am I careful to identify wrong behavior in my life and agree with God that it is, indeed, sin? Or do I try to justify my behavior? If I truly desire to grow in my relationship with God, I must put off those things that displease Him. The idea of purging isn't exactly pleasant, but just like strenuous exercise, the benefits are worth it. The definition of the word purge, is to free from impurities. To be clean. Nothing beats the feeling of being clean after a hard day of manual labor. My heart longs for that same cleansing.
The question becomes, will I listen to and heed my Savior's words? Will I choose to leave my spiritual comfort-zone in favor of following Christ more closely? Not doing more things to win His approval, but truly giving Him access to my heart, that I can be cleansed of my selfish ways and have sweet fellowship with my Heavenly Father. Today, I desire a thorough cleansing so I can reap the eternal benefits of a life lived for Him!
The advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages. More energy, better focus, and just an overall sense of taking better care of the body God has given me, trumps the extra effort, sweat, pain, and change I was dreading. Honestly, I can even say that changing up my cardiovascular activity has been surprisingly pleasant.
It didn't take me long to see the application. It's easy to get comfortable in my spiritual life. But God desires for me to be sanctified - the process of becoming more like Christ in my attitudes, ambitions and actions. Simply put, He wants me to grow. But I know that becoming more Christ-like will involve hard work. It will involve introspection and evaluation, and that can be painful. I'm tempted to stay right where I am - but the voice of my Savior from the pages of scripture, woos me to get up and continue to follow Him.
I can learn a lot from the Psalmist David's approach to this matter, "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow" (Psalm 51:6-7; KJV). I can learn volumes from this king described by God as, "a man after his own heart," (1 Samuel 13:14).
Am I careful to identify wrong behavior in my life and agree with God that it is, indeed, sin? Or do I try to justify my behavior? If I truly desire to grow in my relationship with God, I must put off those things that displease Him. The idea of purging isn't exactly pleasant, but just like strenuous exercise, the benefits are worth it. The definition of the word purge, is to free from impurities. To be clean. Nothing beats the feeling of being clean after a hard day of manual labor. My heart longs for that same cleansing.
The question becomes, will I listen to and heed my Savior's words? Will I choose to leave my spiritual comfort-zone in favor of following Christ more closely? Not doing more things to win His approval, but truly giving Him access to my heart, that I can be cleansed of my selfish ways and have sweet fellowship with my Heavenly Father. Today, I desire a thorough cleansing so I can reap the eternal benefits of a life lived for Him!
thanks Maria... great advise! What I need to hear...
ReplyDeleteGinger - Not always what we want to hear, but life-changing when we heed!! Thanks for you continued support and encouragement! Have a blessed day, sister! :)
ReplyDeleteGood question! Something we need to always keep in mind.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Karen :)
Karen - I must admit that it's easier to stay in my comfort zone, but I know the benefits will be so worth it!! Have a great week, my friend! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!!! You have a good day, Maria.
ReplyDeleteHi there and Thursday blessings to you, Loved this post and the applications from everyday life. It is so easy to want to stay comfortable-whether physical fitness or spiritual fitness but all that we extend is so well worth it. Thanks for reminding us!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Noreen
Hi Maria -
ReplyDeleteI don't take kindly to change, especially major ones. Yet, the less I resist it, I find it becomes pleasurable. Sometimes the decision is the hardest part.
Blessings,
Susan :)
What a powerful post:) I can take away a lot from this in my current situation, and I thank God for sending a Word when I needed it most.
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
Loved your post and it has given me much food for thought!
ReplyDeleteChange is hard and we love our comfort zone but change can produce much fruit!
Inspirational and a powerful post!
Blessings
Diana - You're an encouragement to me! Have a blessed weekend, my friend. :)
ReplyDeleteNoreen - Thanks for stopping by! Your words of encouragement always make me smile. God bless you with a great weekend!
Susan - I think you're right, sometimes the decision to change IS the hardest part! It's great being able to look back on the areas where God has challenged us and realize His plan was best all along. I'm greatful for His love! Have a fantastic weekend, my sister! :)
Tamika - So good to see you, dear!!! Believe it or not, I was just thinking about you this week. When is your due date? I look forward to popping by your site and catching up! Have a blessed weekend & I'm so happy you're back in the blogosphere! :)
ReplyDeleteLinda - You are too sweet! God's word does provide excellent food for thought - it's fantastic that it is alive and powerful. How encouraging that He provides the strength for us to change if we but submit to Him! Have a blessed weekend, my new friend! :)
Good encouragement to "step out of the boat" and follow more faithfully. Faith, like muscles, grows stronger with testing and using. Good post.
ReplyDeleteWarren - Don't you love the simple life lessons God gives us so we can understand the spiritual things more easily? I like your observation that "Faith, like muscles, grows stronger with testing and using." Have a great weekend & God bless!
ReplyDeleteHi my darling Maria:)
ReplyDeleteI'm a creature of habit too! We have 3 exercise machines but I only like the elliptical and that's the one I choose. John is always encouraging me to try the others but so far, I'm not budging :)
Comfort zones are so safe, and the nudge from God to move out can be scary sometimes. Thankfully He promises to go before us.
Blessings
Your far away friend
Dorothy :)
Dottie - After using our treadmill for two years, Steve recommended trading off with the elliptical - proved to be a great suggestion! Slowly moving out of those comfort zones and yes, it is comforting that God always goes before us!! Thanks for stopping by! Have a blessed week, my sweet friend! :)
ReplyDelete