Getting Casual

My roommate/running partner and I didn't go running faithfully the past two weeks due to weather and being tired. One morning though, we went running and started with the workouts that we were scheduled to do last week. Our workout that morning was one that we had previously done, and the first time we had done it, it seemed relatively easy. That morning, however, I felt strained and she really had to push me so I could get through it. In addition to the added difficulty, I was also much slower than I had been. As we were talking, she shared with me something that her high school track coach had said, "missing one workout can set you back a whole week." I thought about how true this was as I was plodding up the stairs to our apartment, and I thought about how this concept applies to so many categories of life.

When we don't continue to be faithful in situations,  it's easier to not do that action. Once she and I missed one workout, it was easier to miss two. Once I slept in one day, it was easier not to get out of bed on-time the next day. One we don't soak our heads in the Word one day, it's easier to skip it the next day too!

God says that when we are faithful in little things (like dishes, reading The Word, practicing good hygiene, etc.) we can be given more responsibility to be faithful in much (moving The Word, delivering people from the hands of the wicked, leading God's people, etc.).

Luke 16:10-13

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?  No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

 It's so important to not get casual with God or each other but to be faithful to exert the effort. We endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). We walk circumspectly with wisdom (Ephesians 5:15-16). We continue to renew our minds to the Word and get busy serving to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:2). It's hard work, but we get rewarded for doing it (James 1:12, II Timothy 4:7-8)! We faithfully take heed to ourselves and continue in the doctrine that we have been given (I Timothy 4:16).

As we are faithful and don't get casual about doing The Word, we get abundantly blessed and it's easier to remain faithful. We keep the momentum going to go far and fast with our heavenly father!