I Corinthians 9:27
Today, I made a decision. Not only am I going to watch what I eat, I’m also going to join an aerobic exercise group. Stopping by the gym to pick up the program syllabus, I was invited to observe an on-going class. As I stood, watching the tiny little instructor, I made two observations.
#1. Assuming that if I could even find that stretchy little aerobics outfit in my size, I’d look like 100 pounds of Jell-O struggling to get out of a 25 pound sack. #2. It would take a crane to get me off the floor when I fell, and prancing around like that, falling is a certainty.
Thoroughly frustrated yet painfully aware of the need to change my lifestyle; I remembered a conversation I’d had with an inmate at the county jail while I was doing the jail ministry. She’d recently accepted Christ and was struggling with many life style changes. She was overwhelmed with the things that would need to be different.
With the insight of the Holy Spirit, I told her that she should stop looking at ALL the stuff that she thought she had to change and begin to focus on ONE thing. Start. A good place to start is with the Word of God.
The Word of God changes your heart. Once the heart is changed, attitudes change. No matter how strong worldly habits or how deep the scars, faithful daily exposure to God’s Word will, in time, heal, deliver and direct. The important part is to plan a quiet time each day, pick up the Bible and—start. As scripture comes alive in the heart, attitudes begin to reflect the heart of God and change is natural.
Exercise and diet are the same way; at my age and weight, I can’t suddenly start running marathons and eating only water and carrot sticks. I’ve set a time each day to walk; PLANNING is essential to success. IF I remain faithful to my commitment, my whole lifestyle WILL change. I just need to— start.
I Corinthians 9:27 I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. (The Message)
Prayer: My Lord, you are a holy God that cannot look upon sin. Help me me to know that you don’t expect me to change myself; you send me the Holy Spirit to tell me not only what to change, but how to make the changes. Give me ears to hear and a heart to listen so that I will yield myself to your directions. Thank you. I love you for loving me too much to leave me the way I am now. Amen