Accomplished gymnast Mary Lou Retton once explained, “Here’s what it takes to be a complete gymnast. Someone should be able to sneak up and drag you out at midnight, push you out on some strange floor, and you should be able to do your entire routine sound asleep in your pajamas. Without one mistake. That’s the secret. It’s got to be a natural reaction.”
True success only comes through effort. Yet most people aren’t willing to put in the work. Sadly, this is often most true with Christianity. For many, being a Christian isn’t really who they are, it’s just something they like to be. Somehow we are just hoping we will magically become spiritually successful. The effort we’re putting in often comes nowhere near to the goal we’re aiming for.
Similar to Mary Lou Retton, the effort we put into being a “complete Christian” should be enormous. We should be able to quote Scripture in our sleep. We should have well thought-out, practiced defenses against sin. Being a Christian should be an intimate, innate, natural reaction throughout the day.
Christianity shouldn’t be a half-hearted add-on. Spiritual commitment shouldn’t be an afterthought. Loyalty to God shouldn’t be side-note.
We should hold ourselves to the highest standards for His name (Philippians 3:7-8). Our devotion should be constant (Luke 9:23). Our commitment should be unwavering (Psalm 51:10). Our loyalty should be solid and immovable (Psalm 1:1-3). Our honor, praise, and respect for the Lord should be sincere and heartfelt (Romans 12:1-2). And the time and effort we put forth towards these goals should be enormous (1 Corinthians 15:58).
It’s worthwhile to take a hard look at ourselves. Are we the Christians we want to be? Are we the followers we should be? Is following Christ a natural reaction?
If not, then it’s time to change. It’s time to get serious.
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