Ready to Work Out

"And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two." Matthew 5:41

I have a huge desire to get in shape and a few weeks ago, I was invited by my god-mother to start walking and training for a possible marathon. It has been a real adventure for me to commit to a better lifestyle because I have a tendency to be lazy. I realize that if invited to walk an extra mile, it would be hard for me. I have not prepared myself physically in order to do that. I know that in the next few months I will be able to do that, but it is going to take work.

Thinking about working out and this verse, made me wonder if I am working out my soul, heart, and mind to be ready for that extra mile. Am I becoming lazy inside as well as outside? Looking back at the last few weeks with Mr. Warner makes me wonder if I look for ways to opt out of helping my husband more. Do I only complete the bare minimum at times to feel like I'm being a good wife as opposed to actually being one?

The other problem that I have is wanting to show off my good deeds. If I do more than is asked of me, or even if I do what is asked of me, I like to be acknowledged. I want to be seen and known for the effort that I am putting in. But my ways are not God's ways. Here is what He wants me to me do:

"But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." - Matthew 6:3-4

Here is what I need to do:

1. Be content with God seeing the good things I do.

2. Be prepared to go the extra mile.

The prepared part looks like going back to basics. What are the two greatest commandments? Love God and love others. For me to love God means to spend more time with Him in prayer, reading my Bible, and worshiping Him. For me to love others changes daily, but hopefully by loving God first, I will be lead by His Spirit to love others "the extra mile way".

I am ready to work out my heart, soul, mind, and body!