“So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out…” (Hebrews 10:22-24 The Message Bible)
My wife showed me a posted video last week featuring one of our faithful church members. She was walking at a good pace, making steady strides; no stopping. She had just been to a class that helps enrollees manage their diets and be instructed about the pros and cons of certain eating habits, but that was not enough that day. She had to walk a half-hour. During that same week she had done water aerobics three times. All of these activities aligned with her aspiration to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The first two activities would seem like enough, but as you have ascertained already, her aspiration, her pursuit of self-established goals, motivated her do more that particular week. She’s a dedicated person and can be counted on to complete what she commits to in the church, so it is not surprising to me that she has multiple activities on her fitness itinerary and tackles them with the same qualities.
As it relates to aspiring, that did not require anyone else. Her motivation came from within. Yet she did not stay focused on herself, she also, by her verbal advice via video, entered the realm of inspiring, motivating others to be good stewards of their bodies. If she was perspiring, you could not tell. She was barely breaking a sweat as she shared valued information in a duo way, by her talking and example, the actual walking, speaking to a number of followers of her social media account. Hopefully others came away encouraged to set up a new or increased wellness routines, as much as their health allows, to stay in great physical shape.
As she shared information, this child of God never once mentioned God once. However, what she was saying was motivated by her love and concern for others. Her talk and walk represented a godly initiative because she was showing she was saved; showing that she had passed from death to life because she loved others, and thus she was definitely in compliance with what Jesus expected, “By this they shall know you are my disciples because you love one another.”
What are the takeaways you should find here, at the start of this week? First, have your own worthwhile aspirations; aspirations that will enhance your witness as a child of God and give you the spiritual strength to run on. Second, behave such that you inspire others by your actions to also want to be a child of God who manifests their salvation by showing love in action for somebody or for many. Third, notice how the church member mentioned above, let her light shine without even mentioning the name of God. You can do the same. And when someone wants to take it a little further, you can take advantage of the opportunity as well as their permission to do some evangelizing. Be equipped for that occasion!
It is ironic that she did not mention God in her talk and walk for it came at the same time where her women’s group is studying from The Book of Esther, a book of the Bible that does not mention God. As a side note, I encourage you to put it on your “things to do list” as it relates to studying to show yourself approved, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly diving the word of truth. But know this, the talk and walk posting, in context, it communicated God.
Have a great week and let your light shine wherever you go and whatever you do! Be aspiring and inspiring! Draw people to Christ by your actions and then help save them by His words. Have a good start to the week. Be blessed!
“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” (I John 3:18 NLT)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King