Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only few find it. Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)
When your faith is built on shortcuts and "quick fix" formulas, you are on a broad path leading to a lukewarm, unfulfilling, whimpering faith. It's weak. When you decide to put in the work, develop the good habits and kill the old habits - you will find unbelievable satisfaction in your life of faith and walk with God. God deserves your best everyday, every hour. You can do it - stay focused. Get to that narrow gate! Talk to god about the old habits. -Live Bold-
Millions of people each year start down the broad road of reaching their fitness goals. Most of those people use shortcuts and quick fix formulas. Most will also fall short of their goals and end up at that wide gate of destruction. In the world of fitness it comes in the form of injuries and yo-yo dieting failures. True success requires a steady lifestyle change over time. One positive eating habit at a time must replace 1 negative eating habit. Workouts need to slowly build in intensity to build a strong foundation of form and skill in order to avoid overuse injuries. These are not quick fixes, but they work extremely well when people are patient and consistent in their efforts.
Spiritual health and physical health are lifetime goals and we shouldn't ever stop working on them. Even when we feel we have reached our physical peak, it's important we do our best to maintain those good habits to remain healthy as we age. Spiritual health on the other hand can constantly be improved all the way to our final day.
Whether you are working on your spiritual health or physical health, take your time and work on improving one area at a time to build a strong foundation without becoming overwhelmed trying to achieve perfection. Yes, trust the process.
Mark
