So for Christmas one of the most popular devices that people requested as gifts were fitness trackers. You see people wearing them; the Fitbit, the Garmin, the Apple Watch and more. All helping us to be more active, more energetic and hopefully overall more healthy human beings. They count our steps, measure the distances we have walked, biked or swam, track our heartrate, monitor our sleep patterns, and remind us that we have been sitting longer than we should have been. I think that they are well intentioned and I do like mine a lot. While our physical exercise helps us mentally and emotionally, we have to be intentional about working on our spiritual fitness. As we look at New Year’s resolutions and improvements we would like to make in our lives, perhaps it would also benefit us to look at our spiritual journeys.

Can you track the steps you are taking to better follow Jesus as His disciple?

Can you measure the distances you have been willing to go to love someone or help someone; even if they didn’t “deserve” it?

Can you be honest with yourself that even with the reminder of God’s Holy Spirit prompting you to “go” and make a difference in the world, you still find yourself content to just stay where you’re comfortable … where you’ve always been?

i challenge us all to pray for discernment (understanding), discover your purpose for 2018, and cultivate your plan for success.

Tim Beck is pastor of Kenbridge United Methodist Church. His email address is revtimbeck@gmail. com.