The Full Rep

"Bar to your chest."  With those four words, my oldest son motivates me to lower the bar further, thus getting the most out of each rep on the bench.  He challenges me to do the full rep, not just the most comfortable parts.  It's easier to stop short; it's more beneficial to execute the whole endeavor.  

Whether you do weight training or not, you know that easier does not often equal better.  Often the best gains come through strains.  The apostle Paul knew that to be true. 

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Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Straining toward what is ahead.  Those are graphic words.  Paul testifies not of an easy stroll; it's more of a tug-o-war with the weight of the world.  Running into the wind.  Going against the grain.  The effort is worth the result.  Paul pressed on to win the prize.  So should we.  

How are you straining and pressing in your faith?

Waking up early to read the Bible?
     Don't hit snooze!
Starting to make church a habit?
     Don't make excuses!
Pursuing an education?
     Study!
Volunteering?
     Do so cheerfully.
Getting your spending in check?
     You can do without that newest "must have."

The strains bring gains!

It has been fun watching my sons hit the gym.  They are changing before my eyes.  I'm watching.  I'm smiling.  I'm learning.

#ordinarylives