These words still resound in my heart: “We are not doing this for fun. We are fighting.”  This is a quote from Ken Cuccinelli, attorney general of Virginia, in reference to the strenuous schedule he maintains in order to balance family life and a political career led by conviction.  His statement forced me to ponder my life. How many decisions do I make that are based on comfort while sacrificing conviction versus the other way around?  Let’s take a look at a few.

1. Diet~I know that saturated fats and processed foods do not enhance my health in any way. A natural diet of organic fruits, vegetables, and free-range meat would definitely increase my energy, reduce colds and fatigue, and improve my complexion and weight. But those chips and fries taste SO  good and are so easily accessible; and they are much cheaper (in some ways).   Which leads me to my second point…

2. Money-management~I am disciplined in paying off my bills, but what do I do with the few dollars left over? I usually spend them on myself, buying clothes, books, accessories, and trinkets that I really don’t need.  There are many other causes of lasting value that would certainly be a much better use of my money, including supporting our local, organic farmers.

3. Exercise~I long to run 5 miles with ease. I admire people who run so gracefully and find such fulfillment in it. There are moments when my legs ache to consume those miles and I know it would do my heart and lungs a world of good. I feel such satisfaction when I have completed my run for the day (and my dog is  happy too), but for some reason it is ever a battle to get out there…

4. Rest~Eyes are probably rolling at this one, but it’s true. Sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.  It sets the pace for the day and it takes disclipine to get enough of it. When I find myself nearing exhaustion in the middle of the afternoon, or find it agony to rise early in the morning, I know it’s because I allowed myself to squander those evening hours watching TV, checking e-mails, or reading when I should have been asleep.

I know that the Lord has entrusted me with this life and the resources to live it well. I do not want to waste my time, energy, or resources in catering to my wants and comforts, rather than furthering His kingdom and spreading the Truth – that Jesus has undying love for His people.  But is this conviction governing my life?  It is not my place or privilege to spend time or money on my wants; it is my responsibility to pass on to others what God has entrusted to me. To do so I need to be a good steward of all that He has given me – health, relationships, intelligence, and money. 

What are your convictions? Are they worth the sacrifice of your comfort?