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Ever since I had a Fitbit I have had difficulty standing still. Why waste the opportunity to accumulate more steps and hasten the achievement of the 10,000 step daily target? Being constantly on the move can be perceived as annoying by those sitting still, such as my wife while she is sitting quietly pondering the cryptic clues to a crossword.
Standing very still in the garden of the holiday cottage I stayed in last week is a garden roller. I have a roller in my garden. Mine has a broken handle and needs to be repaired. The holiday cottage roller has stood still for so long that it has become overgrown with ivy. This could be the garden roller version of the three-toed sloth that apparently moves so slowly that algae grows in its fur.
A garden roller might not get used many times a year in a typical garden, but it is meant to be used, and it was designed for a specific purpose – just like followers of Jesus. It is not part of God’s design for us to remain static in our faith, barely moving. A garden roller that is covered in ivy is no more use than a Christian whose preference is standing still. But why would we? Because it is easy perhaps? Can we claim the benefits of salvation through Jesus but not actively serve Him by growing in our faith, serving in our church and in our communities, and sharing our faith?
Something else I discovered in the holiday cottage garden was a fern growing high above the lawn. I was amazed that the fern had survived a recent mowing, and that it was so quickly standing tall (and still) above the grass. My friend Jerry who knows about things that grow told me that the fern survives because it has deep roots. That seems to fit with the standing still analogy. In summary: God wants us to put down deep roots and continue to grow in Him regardless of setbacks along the way (being cut down by a mower once a week is a pretty big setback for a fern). It is not good enough to stand still – it is not part of God’s purpose for our lives, and there is no excuse for failing to ensure that we get spiritual exercise. Perhaps a Spiritual Fitbit would help?
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7 NLT)
William Strickland said:
I have been wearing a Fitbit for a number of years. It’s strange how that little device can motivate us to keep moving. Keep moving, seems to be one of the secrets of following Christ. We are not designed to be idle. An object at rest tends to stay at rest. An object in motion tends to stay in motion. I’m beginning to ramble.
David said:
I have had one for four years. It certainly has helped keep my weight down and my fitness levels up.
francesrogers said:
David, not knowing what you were talking about I googled a Fitbit. It is good to understand what you have, but honestly, I couldn’t walk more steps than I do each day. I do well to even sit to eat. I have to walk for Jerry and me. Blessings with your Fitbit May all your steps be to the glory of God.
David said:
I didn’t think about readers not knowing what a Fitbit is Fran. The last line of your comment is food for thought indeed – may all of our steps be to the glory of God.
francesrogers said:
David, I don’t keep up, but my family and the younger generation knows all the latest technology.
lisanne3015 said:
A spiritual Fitbit…I could perhaps, be a more consistent follower?
David said:
Lack of consistency is certainly a problem. Even with the Fitbit. I try hard to hit those 10,000 steps but then along comes a day when I fail abysmally! Just as I do with consistency in my walk with God.
snowgood said:
Hello David,
I was away in Ireland this week and during my time I got talking to someone who has given up on God.
Time was limited, but I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me not to keep quiet. I told my customer that I still believed. Perhaps that was all I was meant to say?
What a shame that he then went on to discuss if it was a Catholic or Protestant faith. I’m not interested in those “arguments”, but he told me it was “everything” in Ireland.
We’ve conversed sporadically for 8 months, hopefully this “little chat” is only the beginning.
Funny how you say you like to keep moving, I spent my time away wishing I could slow down and enjoy the coastline, and majestic views.
The 10,000 steps was an arbitrary figure dreamt up my a japanese firm for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, there is no medical evidence to suggest this is a good level of activity.
Having said that I monitor my iPhone step counter, and like to see a few days each week over 10,000 if at all possible.
My verse for the FitBit Generation?
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
Stephen
David said:
I make several work trips to Ireland each year Stephen and love the country- north and south, but the faith situation is an interesting one. Good that a door opened for you to share your faith with this chap.
I had read that about the 10,000 steps but it is good to have a step target, just as it is good to have a target to set time aside to be still before God.
Enjoying reading about your cycling explorations.
David
snowgood said:
Thanks David,
I hope life at “your local” has become more cheerful. 6400 steps today.
Stephen