How to Get Big Muscles in Thirty Days

I remember reading an advertisement touting the title of this blog, when I was but a lad.  At the time the big muscles sounded quite appealing, especially in such a short time.  Every boy that read that could envision himself laden with perky pecks, triumphant triceps, and bountiful biceps.  The problem is you can't get muscles...at least not the kind shown in the ad...in thirty days.  Before you sport big muscles you must first have a dedication to discipline yourself beneath the weights.  Months of proper diet, rest, and exercise...I mean the kind where you drip sweat and turn red in the face, is required.

When folks discuss their desire to rise above sin, to become an effective witness, to renew torn relationships, I am reminded of the dedication needed to build muscle.  Similar dedication is needed for spiritual progress.  There is no secret to it.  Just as in muscles, more people wear their spiritual flab rather than big biceps simply because the work, the pain, the pride swallowing is just too much for them.  It hurts to make progress!  It is hard to make amends!   There is no magic formula or a once read book that will usher one into the halls of spiritual success.  

Friend, your success is found in getting up day after day and pursuing your prize until you are weary to the core and then finding the strength to do it all again the next day.  You either want it badly enough to work in a determined manner...or you don't.  It is that simple.

In a radio address on May 15, 1982, President Ronald Reagan said, "In James Michener's book, The Bridges a Toko-Ri, he writes of an officer waiting through the night for the return of planes to a carrier as dawn is coming on.  And he asks, "Where do we find such men?" Well, we find them where we've always found them.  They are the product of the freest society man has ever known.  They make a commitment to the military - make it freely, because the birthright we share as Americans is worth defending."

Those who rise above and do the extra-ordinary are they who know the extra-ordinary cost that will be involved and are willing to pay it.  I challenge you to rethink your future.  Set some high goals and decide if you have what it takes to get your 'muscles'.  They may not show up today, but with time and persistence...they will show up.  Remember I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  He strengthens me to push the bar upward one more time!

Tim