“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:31
Our weekly Christian devotional
I find it very ironic that I, of all people, actually despise going to the gym. I’m pretty sure that no one who sees me there would actually know it; given the fact that I consistently show up rain or shine–six days a week.
Why is this so ironic? I guess the fact that my husband is a personal trainer might have something to do with it.
But, the truth of the matter is physical agility wasn’t a talent I was born with. And, sadly it isn’t something I’ve developed–despite the fact that I have spent a good amount of my life in the gym!
Physical fitness doesn’t come naturally for me. But, I’m no fool. I know that if I want to be healthy, enjoy a long life and have a toned body, I mustn’t leave nature alone to run its course. I’ve got to work hard for the body I want.
Yesterday, I was in one of those rare inspirational moods—one where I was actually looking forward to letting out some aggression and working on my abs at the same time. Waltzing into my little fitness center, I was greeted with about a dozen heavy weights strewn around the gym. Extreme aggravation rose in my chest.
I wasn’t in the mood to ruin my gym-high. So, I turned my attention to the treadmills; figuring my weight routine could wait until somebody twice my size came to re-rack those weights.
As I hoped on the nearest treadmill, I noticed puddles of sweat staining the machine. Disgusting.
It was hard to push down that second wave of aggravation as I begrudgingly wiped down the equipment and washed my hands.
From the evidence left behind, I safely concluded that some Yeti-type had just finished working out. Perhaps he got a last minute phone call from his wife to go slay a bear for dinner? Maybe this was the reason forty-five pound plates were found everywhere except for the weight rack…
I reassured myself that my bones could use the heavy lifting while I put away the weights Mr. Yeti had (so thoughtfully) left behind.
After all that, I enjoyed a quiet but productive workout. No one entered the gym the whole time I was there. As I hoped off the treadmill getting ready to wipe it down, I hesitated for a split second.
“Why bother? The last person didn’t have the courtesy to do that for me!”
Instantly, I felt a tug in my heart. Character isn’t what we do when people are looking. It’s who we are and what we do when no one else is there to witness it.
The Christian walk is one of the hardest endeavors I’ve ever set my mind to. Just as I have disciplined myself to show up regularly at my gym, I’ve determined to allow God to change me. Both of these habits actually go against my nature. But, I figure that if I’m unwilling to except the natural state of my abdominal muscles, I should keep my priorities straight and also be unwilling to accept who I am today for who God is shaping me to be for tomorrow.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I see that I’ve looked down on others for their selfish behaviors, without even noticing my own. This is such hypocritical behavior! Lord, forgive me.
Give me eyes to see myself as I truly am. This will give me a heart of mercy and compassion for others and their faults. I have seen how patient you have been with my issues; help me to have that some kind of patience with others.
Many people are watching me to see how I react to life’s troubles and stumbling blocks. Sometimes this gives me anxiety. It makes me want to recoil from others. In the name of Jesus, I bind the spirit of fear, fear of what others think of me and the spirit of isolation.
I will make mistakes. I know this, because I’m human. I promise to do my part by reading the Bible. I know that it contains the answers to your will. Help me to act and re-act to others in accordance with it.
In order for your spirit to flow through me in a natural way, I must stay tapped into the daily vine of you. Lord, you are my sustenance. In my weakness, your strength can be displayed. Show me how awesome you are. Let me be a testimony to your miracle working powers of changing people from the inside out. In Jesus’ name, let my light shine brightly for you, Amen.”
Thank you for reading our weekly Christian devotional on verse: Luke 6:31
Please check back and see what we have for you next week!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan