"It's a race. I hope I ween!"

But as I was sitting here thinking about it, I realized, yes, it is hard. But think about when you are not exercising. When you haven't made exercise and eating healthy a habit in your life. You feel lethargic, unmotivated, and tired. Your body definitely shows the lack of discipline (unless you have magic genes, which I'm convinced some people do), as do your moods and emotions. But then, maybe someone starts telling you about their plan to have a healthier lifestyle, or maybe they have already had a healthy lifestyle and they just like talking about it. You say, "Good for them", but aren't interested in making any changes in your life because it would take effort that you don't want to put forth. But as that someone keeps on with their plan of exercising and eating healthy, you start to desire to do the same for yourself. Not just because someone else is doing it, but because of the change you see in them. They tell you all about how they feel much better, have more energy, are more motivated, have a sense of accomplishment, their body gives evidence to their new habits. They are honest with you about the fact that it took, and still takes, a lot of hard work, that it requires sacrifice, and that they struggle. But the results are worth it. 

To me, that's how being a Christian is. It's hard, it takes effort, it's not magic that will fix everything and help you at the snap of your finger. Just like no magic pill will make you look and feel great (without severe consequences anyway). Ah, but the results, the goal, and the reward, that's what spurns you on. And you know that in the end, it will be worth it all.

"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." - Philippians 3:14


"For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8