So I was thinking a little earlier after I completed Day 16 of the Shred (even though I feel terrible)…and I hope that my thoughts will come out as clearly now on the blog, in print as it did when it first entered my head…
I have noticed–and maybe you have too–that getting your physical body into shape is much like getting our spiritual lives into shape. Okay, so that’s not a NEW idea? Well, maybe not, but I am constantly amazed at how something I *know* suddenly…one day…out of the blue…just makes sense…and the lightbulb goes off in my head!
Now how are they similar, you ask? Well, I wish I could remember! I’m telling ya–things are much more eloquent the first time they enter my head & then I run to the computer & oops, it’s too late… thoughts gone! *sigh*
Okay, thinking… I was thinking about the difference between head-knowledge and heart-knowledge–knowing WHO Jesus is historically, even Biblically (head) and knowing him personally and intimately (heart). One of our students posted as her facebook status this week that lots of people will miss Heaven by 18 inches–the distance between their head & their heart…
Anyway, what does that have to do with getting into shape physically? For years, and I do mean years, I have had the knowledge in my head. I knew how to lose weight. I knew what to do to be healthy. But I was very hit or miss. Finally I had to move the knowledge from my head to (in this case) my behind. I had to get UP & MOVE! I had to DO something. And to stay in shape I will have to KEEP DOING SOMETHING!
Aren’t we just that way in our walk with Christ? We go through phases of devouring the Word, praying without ceasing, serving tirelessly… And then somehow we go stagnant. If you’re a Christian, you know what I’m talking about. And if not, then you must not have been a Christian for very long.
James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
I am still working on Reading Through the Bible in 90 Days. But I am a tad-bit behind, mostly because reading requires quiet time & that is in short-supply around here. But I am pressing on. I refuse to give up…I refuse to give up the fight to have a healthier body, and I refuse to give up the fight to finish reading God’s Word in its entirety. I know He has great plans for me. How will I ever know what they are if I give up now?
James 1:4 says, “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
And, no, I am not reading through James. I am finishing up the book of Numbers, getting ready to start Deuteronomy. But James is full of such practical advice, I had to share…
Preach on, sister!!