I enjoy going to 24 hour fitness to try and keep my “growing older body” in shape. To be honest, sometimes it is very difficult to get motivated to get dressed and go to the gym; but I’ve noticed that when I do go; and when I am consistent to go 2 or 3 times a week that my workouts go well; the results are better; and I feel so much more energized. I’ve also learned that in order to get the most benefit I have to make sure that I don’t cheat when I’m lifting weights. (I would love to impress those around me but lifting my weights just doesn’t cut it!)
As my nephew Scotty, (who is a personal trainer) will tell you, the amount of weight you use is not nearly as important as doing the exercise properly. Doing it the right way always produces the best results; which in turn increases your overall strength and endurance. In other words, there are no short cuts to being physical fit; you have to be faithful to do the workouts in the right way!
That same truth also applies with spiritual disciplines as well. There are no short cuts to spiritual growth. Sometimes I don’t feel like reading the Bible or fasting or praying, but I’ve always found that when I do, (regardless of how I feel); I’m always glad I did. It’s doing what I know I should do, even when I don’t want to do it; that causes my spiritual muscles to develop. And over time I can see the results of that in my personal relationship with the Lord.