The Lesson of Continuing

I worked in the physical therapy field for almost six years.

The typical patient would look something like this: comes in after a surgery or injury with pain and dysfunction. Through a series of techniques and exercises, we decrease their pain first and then work on restoring their function. Once their goals have been met, the patient is usually discharged with instructions to continue their exercise program at home.

Inevitably, there were always those who came back frustrated a few months later with the same symptoms and wondered why! When asked, we found out they weren’t doing their home exercises any longer. After some more instruction, accountability, and kind warnings they were back and on their way, and usually learned their lesson.

I’m sitting here thinking of people, both in the therapy world and in the counseling room, that have regressed due to lack of discipline. And then I think of my own life, and how quickly my sin patterns emerge when I am not disciplined in my own spiritual walk.

How important and vital it is to be disciplined in those things that grow us and change us to be more like Christ as we fight against our own desire and fight against sin. Whether its community with the body of Christ, Scripture reading, prayer, memorization, or personal and cooperate worship, all must be present and are needed in our walk as we grow to become like Him!

1 Timothy 4:8-10 encourages us in our daily pursuit of Christ as our hope and only goal!
For the whole bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end, we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

Heather Leman