Beware of the Fade

My family got a membership to a local gym during the summer last year. We immediately dived in with some excitement at all of the ways we could utilize the membership. Swimming, climbing, workout equipment, a walking track, racquetball court, and the list could go on for a bit. My wife and I went nearly every day for a couple of weeks just trying new things. Then we hit a day here or there where we didn’t feel like going and decided to skip that day. The newness wore off a bit and routine set in instead.

We have still been going pretty regularly into the new year and it was at the beginning of the year that I noticed something interesting. Many of you probably already know what I am talking about. The parking lot is full and the gym is packed at almost any time we go. It wasn’t like this when we joined in the summer and I am pretty sure it won’t be like this by the time spring rolls around. Lots of people start strong on commitments, especially new commitments only to fade as time goes along and the newness wears off or the resolve wavers. 

This happens in discipleship as well. When our commitment to Christ is new and fresh, the disciplines of discipleship seem easy. Reading our Bible and praying and worship and fellowship with other believers is a joy and exciting. But time can cause things to fade and habits to slip and fall by the wayside. It takes effort to keep going and remain faithful to the things we know we need to do in this walk of faith. I pray that you remember to watch out for the fade and don’t give in to it. Stay strong in the year ahead and beyond.