not easy

St Augustine reminds us that following Jesus isn't easy today in A Year with the Church Fathers. He tells us that it's not enough to just believe in Jesus... we have to follow Him. If we remain in Him, and He in us, we can do anything. But apart from Him, we can do nothing.

But it's not easy, is it? Following Jesus means putting up with unpleasant people. It means setting aside our pride and loving people we'd rather avoid. It means helping people who don't appreciate it. It means doing things we don't really like.

Of course, it doesn't JUST mean that. God has given us gifts, and He uses those gifts in our work, which can bring us great joy. Once we've committed to following Him, we can find great happiness in the work.

But it's kind of like physical exercise. When we're in shape, and working out regularly, it actually feels good. And our lives get better and better as we do it. All areas of our lives improve when we're physically fit.

But getting off the couch and going to the gym... not so easy. It's worth it! But it takes determination. Same with our spiritual lives. When we're walking close to Jesus every day, we find joy, and it makes every aspect of our lives better. But getting out of sin and committing to following Him daily - that takes determination.

God, please give us the determination to follow You - and maybe get physically fit - this year.