Too long have we been caught in the weeds. Too long have we focused on vain and temporal things. Too long have we lived inconsistently with our Faith. The Lord told us the path was narrow (Matthew 7:13-14); it is all too easy to misstep and become entangled by the weeds. Yet, the biggest problem is not even the entanglement; regrettably, it is the perception that we are not even caught, when indeed we are.
There have been times when I have been close to death. How then do I go on living in my old ways of sin? I do not understand what I do (Romans 7:15). Who will deliver us from such a condition (Romans 7:24-25)? Only the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
“THE ONLY WAY TO ETERNITY WITH THE CREATOR IS BY STAYING ON THE NARROW PATH THAT IS RESISTANT TO ALL WEEDS; THE PATH THAT TRANSCENDS HUMAN EFFORt AND IS FORMED BY FAITH IN CHRIST.”
Since this is also a blog concerning physical fitness, it is worth noting an application of this principle here. Let me start by asking a question: why ought we take care of our bodies first and foremost? Of course, there are long-term benefits to being consistent with exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, living justly and rightly in a short Earthly life is much greater than extending one’s Earthly life and living contrary to these things. As such, we ought to take care of our bodies (and also care for the bodies of others) because they were given to us by our Creator. We honor our bodies and the bodies of others to honor our Creator. There is much fruit that is seen through the act of taking care of one’s body, which involves more than just exercise; it involves nutrition, rest, sexual activity, daily activity, the words one speaks, and so on. Therefore, don’t get caught in the weeds with your physical fitness; do not forget what it is for. Do not put more important things to the side (such as modesty, listening to proper music, and treating others rightly). Have your fitness goals, yes, but do not neglect weightier matters (Matthew 23:23).
Yes, the weeds need to be chopped down and destroyed; the path itself provides the basis for this. However, the only way to eternity with the Creator is by staying on the narrow path that is resistant to all weeds; the path that transcends human effort and is formed by Faith in Christ.
Run with endurance, friends, on the straight and narrow, keeping your eyes fixed on the one who made them (Hebrews 12:1-2).
