Do you remember the days in high school gym class when you had to climb the rope, run the mile, or do pull-ups? Pull-ups (or chin-ups) were especially challenging to me. The first 3-5 pull-ups go quickly and seemingly without effort. However, pulling your weight against gravity and getting your chin above the bar becomes more of an effort. Muscles start to burn in protest and the pace slows. Between 5-10 my arms seem to loose all of their power and I am straining my back and stomach muscles to help me get back up to the bar. At 11 my feet are pedaling in the air in an effort to help me reach the bar. I have never been able to do more than 15 chin-ups.
Think about the highest number of pull-ups you can do. What would it take to do 2 or 3 more? It would take effort, discipline, practice, work, strain, pain, and growth. Too often we hear sermons about God making the path straight, easy, and full of blessing. I agree with this in part. However, the reality is that we are called to a life of challenge, sacrifice, and discipline. There is reward, but it does not come without challenge.
Paul compares the Christian walk to an athletic effort. In I Corinthians 9:24-27 he discusses the way that we should live the Christian life comparing it to an athlete in training. He says that we should work to win the prize. What does it take to be the winner? effort, discipline, practice, work, strain, pain, and growth. If it did not take these things would the win be impressive- probably not. The heart of a Christian warrior does not shy away from challenge, rather accepts challenges as opportunities to grow. Certainly enjoy the comforts and blessings of being on the right path in the Christian walk, but also be prepared so that the challenges do not get you off course. When you feel like you can't do anymore- dig deep for 2-3 more and grow out of the effort.
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