BY RICK WARREN
“But what happens when we live God’s way? …. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.” (Galatians 5:22-23 MSG)
Think about this: God wouldn’t have designed your body to need physical exercise and at the same time intend for exercise to be the most grueling, tedious thing you have to do.
God knows we’re all shaped differently, so he provided a variety of physical activities we can take part in. There’s an exercise out there for every one of us.
The best exercise is the one that you will actually do because you enjoy it. So what do you love? What sounds like fun? Ask God to show you what it is, and give it a try, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone.
Galatians 5:22 says, “But what happens when we live God’s way? …. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely” (MSG).
Here’s a good place to start: Move toward joy. If you think of exercise as drudgery, as an “ought to” in your life, your motivation disappears. If you “direct your energies wisely” and do something you enjoy, something you “get to” do, you’ll find that motivation just flows.
Talk It Over
- What activities do you enjoy or did you once enjoy before you got too busy?
- Share what comes to mind when you reflect on the phrase “Move toward joy.”
- What activity will you pursue today that will move you toward joy and health?
