Heaven Minded

A few weeks ago, I began taking working out seriously. I wanted to start toning my muscles and, eventually, growing them. If you’ve ever gone through this process, you understand how every little detail throughout the day matters to the overall progress/growth. I must get the proper amount of rest, eat enough protein, maintain a balanced food intake, decrease my stress levels, and, of course, stay consistent with my workouts.

On Tuesday last week, I began my workout and immediately felt exhausted. The weights were heavier than usual. I struggled to breathe after one set. I thought to myself, “What on earth!?”

After running to Google, I realized I had neglected the “daily details” of proper eating and rest. Because of this, my body was unable to perform as I wanted. Needless to say, I stopped the Apple Watch Workout, took a shower, and went to bed.

The truth is, every detail in my day mattered, even when I didn’t realize it. 

In the same way, we cannot neglect the daily details of walking with God and expect to fulfill our God-given commandment to expand the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Below is a truth that I find relevant to the daily details of our lives. 

We can bring a glimpse of heaven to earth each day we live. Your life is holistic. This means that the way you live in public and private communicates something. If you continually talk bad about others, you’re communicating that you do not value them as Jesus does. If you consistently overwork yourself, you’re communicating that Jesus’ command to rest is merely a suggestion. If you only pray when things get difficult, you’re communicating that following the Lord is for the benefits. If you don’t care for your body (eating, exercise, rest), you’re communicating that the Temple God has given you isn’t important. 

On the contrary, we can make daily choices that glorify God. Today, instead of participating in gossip/slander, choose to exit the conversation. Instead of overworking yourself, set boundaries and communicate why you need to rest. Instead of praying only during difficulties, make prayer a daily scheduled calendar event. Choose an allotted time that nothing else can take up, just like an important meeting at work. Instead of neglecting self-care, choose preparedness. Prep your meal the night before, take an extra five minutes each morning to breathe, or take a day off to reset. Your job can replace you, but your God-given assignment can't be replaced. You must choose to walk in obedience to do what He has called you to.

As we prioritize God in our daily activities, we experience a glimpse of heaven. Joy fills our lives. The character of Jesus begins to protrude through our character. Worship happens through our daily activities and not just on a Sunday morning. Ultimately, we communicate the importance of seeking God in all that we do. Scripture becomes more than a social media post; it becomes a way of life. 

People will see the fruit that cultivates from your daily obedience to the Lord. No life is a quiet/private life when you’re living for Jesus. 

Application

Today (or soon), I challenge you to take ten minutes to analyze the details of your life. In these ten minutes, ask the Lord to search your daily life and point out the areas you are not glorifying Him. Walk through each thing you regularly do and honestly ask yourself if it aligns with Scripture. If you hesitate to answer, chances are, the answer is “no.” 

As God begins to reveal the areas in your life where you are not glorifying Him, write them down. Keep them in a place that you can regularly see. Then, ask Him for forgiveness and strength to move forward. 

Remember, our God is full of grace and truth. While He reveals things that may initially sting, He does it with mercy. He forgives and offers a clean slate… which He doesn’t hold against you! 

Take His mercy and choose to renew yourself in Him. You may not be able to change the world with your daily activities, but you can change your world. 

Represent Light, Christian Blog