LEARNING DAILY

 

Matthew 7:14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

 

I just got home from the gym. I know what you are wondering, how long will it last this time! My wife has been really dedicated to going there six days a week; I took a look at myself in the mirror and checked the scales a few weeks ago and decided it was time to join …. again. I read from what we all know to be a very reliable source – the internet – that walking thirty minutes each day would reduce areas I would like reduced dramatically. I have been diagnosed with what is called furniture disease; my chest has fallen into my drawers! Anyway, as I am walking on the treadmill at 3.7 mph which means I walk two miles in just over 32 minutes and I begin to consider that walking on this treadmill is a spiritual-like adventure.

 

Let me explain. The belt I am walking on is about two feet wide, a narrow way. If I set the speed to go too fast, I cannot walk, instead, I have to run. I do not need to run; walking serves my purpose just fine. You have seen the videos where someone tries to run on a treadmill, sets the speed to go too fast for them to be successful, and are thrown off the treadmill. If I try to do the things I believe God wants me to do without the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I can quickly begin to do these things in my own power and I get into trouble. So, just as I set the speed on the treadmill for my success, I need to be content to follow the Holy spirit, knowing that His timing is best to achieve the outcome He wants.

 

I have also had some experience in letting my mind wander when walking and walk so close to the edge of the belt that I stumble. Its narrow and I need to be alert to the dangers that can really occur quickly. Jesus said the narrow way was a difficult way. As a Christian I need to be aware of all the dangers that come as I walk the narrow way. I was thinking about this as I walked and now as I write, the temptations are strong and they come at me from all directions, in all different forms. I have written this week already about the devil knowing your weakness(es) and uses them against you whenever he can. Consider your walk with the Lord and what has caused you to stumble. When all is going well in my life, I begin to be very careful and alert. Experience has taught me that something is going to come my way to tempt me to fail in my mind, in what I do, or to cause me to be prideful. Have you experienced that in your life?

 

This morning I thought to myself this would be a great time to pray because I was distracted. I even closed my eyes for a minute until I thought that was not wise; it caused me to be a little disoriented because I was not holding on to anything. I almost became that person on the video being flung off the treadmill. Okay, I might have embellished that a bit. But closing your eyes while on the treadmill is not smart unless you are hanging on the rails. The Bible gives instructions to keep your focus on the Lord and seek Him diligently at all times. I have found the importance of being watchful and alert to what is happening around me and in the world.

 

I’m sure there is more to write about walking on the narrow belt of the treadmill, but you get the idea. The narrow way is just that! It is the way into the kingdom of God. You must walk by the standards God has set. You must keep your eyes open and be disciplined regarding the way you live your life. You must be diligent to seek Him everyday and about every decision that needs to be made along the way. And, you must never forget that he is with you every step of the way to make sure you don’t go too fast nor walk to close to the edge!