Let’s talk about getting into physical shape for a moment. We can know all the right things to eat; know about intermittent fasting. We can know all the right exercises; know how to balance cardio with strength training, and include HIIT in there as well. We can know everything there is to know about how to get that Hollywood physique, but unless we do the work, knowing doesn’t achieve our goals.
We all see where we’re headed, right?
We can know everything about the Bible, know everything about Christianity, but if we’re not doing the work it isn’t helping. Paul exhorts us: Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure (Phillipians 2:12-13; ESV).
While salvation is a free gift—For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9; ESV)—and we cannot add to our salvation, we still need to be obedient to Jesus’ commands: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments (John 14:15; ESV); “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30; ESV).
It can be difficult to love those close to us: spouse, children, siblings, parents, even friends. We don’t always feel warm fuzzies for them. Sometimes they just drive us crazy, right? It takes work to love them; sometimes a lot of work! To love our God with heart, soul, strength, and mind, takes even more effort on our part. It shouldn’t but it does. As it is written no one seeks for God (Romans 3:11; ESV).
We need to ask God to help us love Him, and then we need to do the work. Just like exercising may require us to change our habits, being a Christian may require a lifestyle change. We cannot do it on our own, but we are not called to sit around and wait to suddenly be different—how we think and what we do changes as we draw near to Him.
Love Jesus with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and “just stand up.”