I Just Don't Feel Like It, TC!

If you are a frequent WHOAment reader, you know that for the past few months, I have been on a health(ier) lifestyle journey. Although I am not focused on weight loss, I have lost a few pounds and lots of inches as a result of being more consistent and diligent about exercising. And although I still eat what I want, I am more conscious about what and how much I eat.

It is not easy! I don't always feel like sticking to this health journey. There are days when I don't feel like putting on my gym clothes. There are days when I don't feel like walking to the exercise room. There are days when I don't feel like walking on the treadmill. There are days when I don't want to lift weights. There are days when I don't feel like doing sit ups and crunches. There are times when working out is the last thing I want to do. There are days when I'd rather spend the time sleeping...or sitting on the couch eating large quantities of unhealthy foods...or watching tv...or daydreaming about life...or just about anything else.

But I know the results would be catastrophic if I succumb to my feelings. The results I am seeing and enjoying would be just the opposite: My waist would expand. My energy level would decrease. I would be a pain to be around because I would be irritable and unhappy. I would be unhealthy.

Because I love the results that I see and the energy I have afterwards, I push past all my feelings and emotions and I do the opposite of how I may feel. Instead, I put on my workout clothes. I walk to the exercise room. I lift weights. I do crunches and situps. I do what it takes to receive the results that I want. And because I don't succumb to the temptations of doing otherwise, I always feel amazing and accomplished after I workout. (Sometimes I even give myself high fives in the mirror because I know what it took to get there.) I am keeping the commitment I made to myself and I'm enjoying the fruit of my dedication and discipline.

There are days when Christian living isn't what our flesh wants. There are days when we may not feel like praying. There are days when we may not feel like reading God's Word. There are days when we may not feel like sharing our testimonies with others. There are days when we may not feel like going to church and surrounding ourselves with other Believers. We are led to believe that we would be much happier indulging in the lifestyles that we used to. We are led to believe that going by how we feel is normal and the right thing to do.

Can you imagine if God did that to us? What if He said "I just don't feel like it, TC! I am not in the mood to bless you today. Maybe tomorrow....we'll see how I am feeling."

When we act on how we feel (or not), we notice the results instantly. For instance, maybe this morning rather than begin our day with prayer and thanksgiving, the first thing we chose to do was scroll down our social media timelines and now we find ourselves snapping at people for no reason. Or maybe instead of reading our Bible this morning for today's instructions, we picked up the newspaper to find out the latest news and now we've made a few dumb, unwise decisions because we didn't know what God wanted us to do. Or maybe because we chose to attend a party rather than go to church, we have a massive hangover and can't get out of the bed.

For me, I know that in the same ways I make time for exercise and getting my outer body in shape, I must dedicate my efforts (and much more) to my spiritual walk. When I listen to the desires of my body and what it wants, I can definitely tell the difference. And it is not pretty or likable. It's the opposite. Tiffany the Tyrant steps in and it's UGLY!

You see, outer beauty fades away over time. Money can be spent to the point of bankrupt. Fame doesn't last always. But Christ's love for us and the rewards for living a righteous life are endless!

For many of us (myself included), spending time with God, reading the Bible, recounting all the blessings that God has granted us, telling others about our victories in Christ and walking out the instructions that He gives us takes discipline and dedication. It's not "easy" but the results are so worth it! He rewards our diligence!

Today, I encourage you to join me in committing to a healthier spiritual lifestyle. Let's begin our day with prayer and thanksgiving. Let's cut out distractions that take our focus away from God. Let's tell others about what He has done for us! Let's be mindful not to indulge in the things that will get us off track. Let us be mindful about who we talk to and who we hang around. Let's be purposeful about our spiritual walk! I guarantee we will get the results that we want!

If you are serious about renewing your commitment to living for Christ, say this prayer with me:

"Heavenly Father, I confess that I have strayed from my first love - Jesus - and I want to recommit my life to You. Please help me to become the person You created me to be. Enable me to always live a life that is pleasing to You. I want to be a witness to others of Your saving grace and power.

Forgive me for allowing the things of this world to come before my relationship with you. I want You to be Lord of my life. Renew my passion to walk more closely with You. You know all my desires and plans. Help me to fulfill Your unique call and purpose in my life. Renew my heart, restore the joy of my salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Lord, thank You for this hope I have in You. Use my life to bring You glory, honor and praise. Thank You, Lord, Jesus for hearing and answering my prayer. In Your Name. Amen.'

If you prayed that prayer sincerely, you are restored to fellowship with God. Now, it's time to return to the basics. Make a commitment – a quality decision – to do what you did when you first accepted Jesus as your Savior and Lord: Pray and commune with the Father every day. Don’t just begin your day with prayer, but speak to Him throughout the day. Ask for guidance, help, encouragement; acknowledge His Presence and power; thank Him and praise Him continually!

Here are some tips to keep us on track:

• Read your Bible daily

• Use a daily devotional to help you focus on His Word

• Go to church where the uncompromised Word of God is taught. If you don't have a church home, please consider joining me at Berith Christian Fellowship

• Worship God privately and in the congregation

• Be mindful of the company you keep and with whom you associate

• When you don't feel like it, do it!

Selah!

~TC

If you enjoyed reading this WHOAment, you may also like "What Will They Say About You?"

I love hearing from you! So let's chat!

*Did you recommit to getting your spiritual walk back on track?

*What are the distractions that you are cutting out?

*Will you be my accountability partner?