I Choose Today to Exercise What Matters

Have you ever had a situation where you know the thing you should do but don’t do it? You even have all you need to do this thing, but the tools sit unused?

For example, I know I need to build my strength by working out my muscles. My dietician and my daughter have told me for a while now that I need to incorporate strength training into my workout routine. I have everything I need – weights, resistance bands, and the time – but for some reason I don’t make or take the time to actually incorporate strength training into my routine. I know it is what is best for me. It will make my quality of life better for the long run, but yet I am not utilizing these tools and knowledge in a way that will make a difference.

We all have areas where we know what we should do, but following through is a struggle. Whether it’s exercise, prayer, or forgiveness, the tension between intention and action is real. Even Paul wrestled with this. He said in Romans 7:15, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.”

Just like muscles that grow through exercise, our faith strengthens when we put it into action. Tools like prayer, scripture reading, and worship are available to us, but they can only benefit us if we use them regularly.

For example, maybe you have been meaning to start having regular quiet time with the Lord. You have good intentions, but it doesn’t seem to be something you can get used to or incorporate with all the other things you have going on. I want to encourage you to keep trying, even if it is just a small amount of time, a small step. Because just like it will take me time and intentionality to strengthen my muscles, it will take time and intentionality to build a habit.

Just like Paul doing what he didn’t want to do in the example above, he also kept at it. In 2 Timothy 1:7, he encourages Timothy by saying “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

It is through the Holy Spirit that we can develop self-discipline. We have all we need to develop self-discipline through the power of the Holy Spirit. We just need to tap into that power without fear of failure or missed opportunities and develop the self-discipline in whatever area we want to exercise.

Whether we are building muscles or strengthening our faith, the key is consistency. Growth takes time, effort, and intentional use of the tools God has given us.

What is one area in your life where you can start exercising self-discipline today? Maybe it’s spending time with God, offering forgiveness, or developing a new habit for your well-being. Start small—one step, one moment, one choice. Through the Holy Spirit, you have the power to grow stronger every day.