Exercise
I hated exercise in seventh grade. I hate it now. It is one of the great ironies of life for me that the class I hated most in school is the one I must continue. I was a “lefty” and a klutz, the last one picked for a team. So now I enjoy whining about still having to participate in physical education. I can take my whining to a ridiculous level. Every morning as I consider my day, I sometimes put off the workout or the treadmill. I have a thousand rationalizations. But I remember that my body can lose its various abilities if I don’t use them. I want to live and move, so I work.
This kind of discipline is really part of the bigger discipline of being a good steward of all that God has given me. I enjoy mobility, vision, hearing, good digestion and heart function. I have all of my pieces and parts, and they all work! Praise God! So what makes me whine? I am convinced it is that selfish old Adam-nature warring within, that prompts me to take my ease. I would much rather take it easy and read. My mother did not believe in ease until the chores were done. She found plenty to keep me out of trouble and teach me about the good kind of pride. She got that attitude from her hard-working parents.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 mentions “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity” (NIV). Activity is the operative word. Proverbs 13:4 says,” the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (NIV). I’m glad my parents taught me a work ethic; it compliments the teachings of the Gospel. Colossians 3:23 says,” Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (NIV).When we are diligent about all of our lives, we set an example for Him in the workplace, in our churches, and in our homes. When we push through that pesky old selfish nature and do our best, it shines. It differentiates us from the world. It makes them wonder what we have. It gives us opportunities to share the Gospel!
Yes, sometimes it is hard to get motivated. I think once you have done something for 30 days, it becomes routine.
Love this post. My mom was a great believer in getting work done before anything else also.:)