Articles
10,000 Steps A Day
For a number of months it has been my goal to walk 10,000 steps a day (about 5 miles). I picked up the idea from a friend a few years ago who lost a ton of weight by simply watching what he ate and setting a goal of 10,000 steps a day. I have heard since then that 10,000 steps is a common goal for those who are walking for their health. Recently while I was in China some of us were talking about exercise, walking, the good health effects thereof. I happened to mention my 10,000 steps a day goal.
This week I was having class with some Chinese students and one of them, Cathy, said, “I can only listen tonight. I’m out walking. I’m trying to get my 10,000 steps.” Apparently, unknown to me, Cathy had been positively affected by our conversation about the benefits of walking. Lesson: You never know who is watching or listening and how your example might impact them.
People are watching us all the time. The Gentiles were watching the Jews, and saw their hypocrisy. “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” (Rom. 2:24). People are watch us at work, in our neighborhoods, in our interactions with our wives and children and grandchildren. Is the name of God being blasphemed or glorified because of our lives?
Children are watching us. What will the young people at Lake Gibson see in our lives as they grow up? Faithful attendance every time the door is opened, or Sunday morning only? Zeal and enthusiasm for the work or a pathetic lukewarmness (Rev. 3:16)? Participation in the work, or “backseat Christians” trying to do just enough to get into heaven? Love, patience, and kindness which display the fruit of the Spirit, or a anger, short-temperedness, and rudeness that displays the works of the flesh? Remember, little eyes are watching. And so is the LORD!
