Doing What I Hate

Romans 7:14-16
Good News Translation (GNT)

The Conflict in Us

 ¹⁴ We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am a mortal, sold as a slave to sin.^{15 (A)}I do not understand what I do; for I don't do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate.¹⁶ Since what I do is what I don't want to do, this shows that I agree that the Law is right.

This brief post is not all about spiritual laws and my inability to live up to them because I am a mere human, although the title of this piece brought that reference to mind.

You see, about a month ago, I signed up to take advantage of my company's gym.  To most people, I don't look terribly unfit, but I know that my body can definitely use some toning and shaping.  That, of course, means that I need to undertake some efforts that I haven't been making for far too long.  I need to exercise more, eat smaller portions and motivate myself to change the habits I've developed over time.  You know, those habits that allow me to happily vegitate in front of the TV in the evenings or websurf for far too long when the TV lineup is boring.

Anyway, the first week, I visited the gym every other evening and worked out hard for one hour and 15 minutes each time I went.  The 2nd week, I nearly kept pace with the first.  The third week, I dropped to a couple of visits, and by the fourth week, I'd sunk to one workout in the middle of the week.  Mind you, every time, I still hit it hard for an hour and 15 minutes.  Still, motivating myself to get into workout attire, go back to the company gym (which is very close to my home), work out when my energy is ebbing, well...I've simply let the little guy with the pitchfork and pointy tail standing on my left shoulder convince me that I don't need to go when I'm tired or not feelin' it.

Thus, the Bible verse above smacks me right between the eyeballs. "I do not understand what I do; for I don't do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate."  That about sums it up.  I hate that too often I sit around being lazy when I know I want to get into better shape.  Considering Paul's words in Romans 7, I guess I fall into good company.  On the other hand, I have to agree with him.  I know what is right, even while I do just the opposite.

Fortunately, the old cliche, "knowing and doing are two different things," can be the start of changing my tune.  Why not rewrite that to "knowing leads to doing that which is right?"  Hey, I think I've created a new mantra.  Ask me in a month how I'm "doing".