Yesterday, I was at the gym, taking a strength class focused on my legs. It was all about endurance. Let’s just say, by the time I finished, I had to sit in my car to gather myself, it kicked my behind!
As I was doing squats, leg lifts, deadlifts, and step-ups, I had a realization. The only way for me to strengthen my legs, to build and firm my muscles, is to push through the endurance, the hurt, the pain, and the burning sensation in my flesh. That’s when it hit me—this is exactly what it takes emotionally, spiritually, and mentally as well.
You cannot grow in the same environment, having the same conversations, and doing the same things without making a real change. Growth requires killing the flesh. Just like you can’t build muscle or lose weight while eating the same unhealthy food, you can’t grow spiritually while feeding your soul the same junk—through what you are listening to, watching, and doing.
An alcoholic, a drug addict, a sex addict, a gossip addict, a food addict—they can’t leave behind their past without making drastic changes. Some of us say we want a closer relationship with God, but we refuse to commit to killing the flesh. We avoid prayer, fasting, reading our Bibles, spending alone time with Him, and changing our conversations. We refuse to leave behind the people and places that keep us bound. But let me be clear—there is no in-between. You are either with Him or you are not.
The same principle applies to our health. Ask yourself: Am I passed the point of doing things in moderation? Some of us have reached a point where moderation is no longer enough—we need drastic change. On January 1st, I went to the gym, and they reminded me that I had completed 600 classes. That’s 600 hours—not counting my daily walks, stretching, and other activities—and I am still not where I want to be. Change takes discipline. It takes consistency. It takes compounded effort.
The lesson I learned is this: If I truly want to transform my life, I must be willing to be uncomfortable and accountable. Just like I was uncomfortable in that gym class, I must be willing to push myself beyond my limits. I challenge you today put yourself in an uncomfortable position to sacrifice now for what you want tomorrow.
2025 will not change anything if you don’t do anything differently. I believe God is loud and clear in calling you to rise up and be what He created you to be. Look at everything going on around the world—every day, it’s something different happening: planes going down, wars, fires, floods—you name it. If this isn’t catching your attention, I’m not sure what would.
It’s time to stop playing with your Creator. None of us are exempt. Each breath is a privilege—what are you doing with each breath He has given you?
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