Today I was reflecting on how much I love going to the gym. It has lots of amenities to help you stay in shape and keep your body healthy. My gym also has hard-core battling ropes and chain equipment, which can be challenging and uncomfortable at times, but yields great results. I was thinking about the similarities between this and our walk as Christians — when we are called to get out of our comfort zone, but in the end, it’s worth it. 

There’s another spiritual lesson here I want to share. I’m always curious how my gym can afford to operate a huge facility when not many people go. A fellow gym patron shared some wisdom: “Bobby, many people pay to be members, but many do not come. If everybody came on the same day, nobody would be able to get in. And doesn’t that tell you something about human nature?” Every gym has two prices. The first price you pay is when you sign up and make a commitment. The second price is working out to get results. The second price is worth it, and it comes with the benefits of a fit body and the contributions to a healthy mind. 

Friend, in the Kingdom of God, there are two prices. There’s the price of Heaven, and then there are the results of Heaven. The great news, called the Gospel, is that Jesus paid the price so you can get in! But if you want results, there’s a second price, and it’s strengthening your commitment to the Kingdom of God. You have the opportunity to grow a strong and healthy relationship with Jesus through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship.