No Pain-No Gain

I associate the title of this writing with physical fitness programs that involve bodily exercise and implementing the lifting of weights, which, for all intents and purposes, builds strength and muscle mass.

I have lifted my share of dumbbells and barbells through the years, and did hard, physical labor at work, which kept my body fit and in good shape.  I have learned, by doing, that pain is subsidiary to hard work, but you know what they say, “No pain; no gain.”

According to the Bible, a person should not sit back and expect someone else or the government to take care of them and the needs of their family, especially if they are physically able to work.  God expects the head of the house to step up to the plate and be responsible.  Self-worth is gained when the pain of hard work is put into action, which promotes a wonderful feeling of being self-sufficient.   

I have seen older men lose muscle strength by not maintaining an ongoing workout regiment that may or may not be the direct result of a relaxed state of laziness.  No doubt their physical appearance speaks loudly their lack of attention to health issues when they look at themselves in the mirror. 

The ability to limit the quantity and types of food ingested are contingent upon each individual making up their mind to get into shape and stick with the program that they set up for themselves.  Yes, it is hard to fuse oneself with any type of program that requires discipline or breaking a sweat, but no pain; no gain. 

Speaking from personal experience; one that knows what it takes to stay physically fit; I am finding in my twilight years of life that it is a hit and miss proposition to maintain a scheduled routine of working out.  I would rather be sitting at my computer, writing “Thoughts for Today”, or riding my stationary bike for thirty minutes, than to work out with the weights and suffer muscle pain the following day.  Grant it, writing is good therapy for the mind, but does little for my body.

I need to put into practice what is written in the above title—“No Pain-No Gain.”  I am sure that I will do so after I get through lecturing myself in this writing.  Good health does not involve physical fitness only.  We cannot forget the spiritual health of our inner being.

Spiritual weakness is also derived from a kicked-back, ho-hum type attitude toward the things of God, such as: not reading the Bible and praying everyday, or simply not attending church on a regular basis.  A person can always find excuses not to go. 

The objective of maintaining a good physical persona is most important, but preserving a healthy spirit is imperative, because it determines where our soul will spend eternity.  Much like keeping the body fit, it takes dedication and personal responsibility of doing that which we know to do.  This keeps our relationship with God in harmony.  Remember, no pain; no gain.  Heaven is our gain!

(1 Corinthians 6:19-20), “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”  vs.20 “For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

I believe that if a person is not moving forward with God, they are standing still or stepping backwards in the opposite direction.  Christians must keep themselves spiritually fit and adept to reduce the risk of becoming spiritually anemic; weak and unable to stand against the devil, which makes it easier to fall away from God.  This lack of forward motion is called ‘backsliding’ in some church circles.

It takes hard work, coupled with the proper intake of spiritual sustenance (nutrition for the soul), to keep the spiritual person inside toned and strong.  A made up mind to serve God is the wherewithal that is needed to rise up out of Satan’s easy chair of laziness to embark on a new commitment of doing something for the Lord.  Enthusiasm will develop as a person allows God to place them where He wants them to be. 

A willingness to be used of God is the key to success in putting off the wishy-washy attitude that accompanies slothfulness.  When we step through the doors that God opens before us, this move of faith nullifies weakness and adds strength and boldness to our spiritual framework. 

God is looking for someone to stand in the gap where He can use them to be a blessing and encouragement to other people.  Yes, blessings also come to those that are doing God’s requests.  As Believers work through the challenges in their own life, they become a shining testimony to others that are watching them; showing, by example, that they are strong in Christ and can accomplish great things for Him. 

It may take a bit of suffering (pain) to accomplish the objective (gain), which the Lord sets before us, but renewing our mind each day in the Word of God and communicating with Him through prayer, are the strengthening factors that build up the inner person—no pain; no gain.

(Philippians 4:13), “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The Holy Spirit helps us remain astute; having good judgment of how to discern Satan’s modus operandi (mode of operation) when he tries to distract and tempt us with things that are nothing more than a state of momentary pleasure, which can dissuade us from doing what is right in the eyes of God.  The Holy Spirit gives us strength to not fall victim to an apathetic state of mind toward our responsibility and service to the Lord.

(Romans 12:1-2), “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”  vs.2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Sacrifice does not just happen; it takes working at it daily, including God in all that we do.  Communication with Him is the key to success, while maintaining spiritual stability by putting off the old nature of fleshly pleasures that go contrary to the teachings of the Bible.

It is difficult at times to suppress the temptations that the flesh desires, but the Lord is our strength; He helps us through each trial of life.  When we shun the very appearance of evil we remain true to God and victorious, while continuing to walk side by side with Jesus.  We can walk with confidence; knowing that we are sons and daughters of Almighty God.  Whom shall we fear?

(Acts 17:28), “for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ ”

It is a battle to remain faithful to God’s commandments, and we feel bruised and battered at times, but God is greater and more powerful than anything that comes our way—no pain; no gain.

(1 John 4:4), “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

The “No Pain-No Gain” thought does not end here.  It goes even deeper as we work out our own salvation in fear and trembling.  It is somewhat painful to sacrifice certain television programs to attend midweek service, or to be present at choir practice, or go to Sunday evening service. 

It can even be painful to give one’s tithes to the church if the motive for giving is wrong, or if the economy is bad.  Trepidation (anxiety) can raise its ugly head when a Believer feels the urge or prompting to open their pocketbook and give to another family that is in need. 

The question, “Is it God or me?” seems to always pop up as some people try to discern if they are in self-mode or God-mode; perhaps hoping that it is self rather than God, because it is hard to part with greenbacks.

When we yield to “God’s prompting” and give of our time and money, the dividends are insurmountable; because of the satisfaction that giving provides the soul.  As we exercise the soul-man by walking in the Spirit, we cease to sit back and wish that we were doing something for the Lord, because we are now doing the will of our Father in heaven.  “No Pain-No Gain” becomes our anthem of praise each and every day.

Written by,

Papa Boyd