Battling inertia in your walk with Christ.

I was reading an article recently about inertia. I know I had some knowledge about it buried way back in my mind, but what I read spurred me on to rediscover it.

Newton’s First Law of Motion (inertia) tells us an object at rest or in motion will continue in the same state unless an external force steps in.

As I read about this law, four words caught my eye: at rest, continue, and unless. As I thought about this, it caused me to wonder if the same is true in our spiritual lives. What do I mean? Let’s look closer at how these words can lead to unproductivity.

At rest:

Being at rest is often something I desire on multiple levels. When I have worked a long day, served on another committee, or helped with a loved-one in failing health, I am exhausted. Wanting to rest is a valued thing.

The problem with being at rest can begin quietly. I stop what I’m doing and read, sleep, or even lounge around. So far, so good. But choosing to stay in this state of rest too often can cause me to move into the second step of inertia.

Continue:

When resting too much, I slowly begin to be less motivated to do anything, especially things of a spiritual nature. Doing less reinforces doing less, which reinforces doing less. And so on.

Unless:

The third and encouraging part of Newton’s law is this negative momentum can be interrupted. When we become aware of our inactivity and listlessness, we can stop it by tapping into our self-will and making a decision to get up and return to productivity.

It’s important to notice, however, Newton’s law also applies to the positive things we do. We can be at rest or peace in using the gifts and abilities God has given us and this will build momentum. Hard work begets hard work unlesswe let external forces put a stop to it; making it harder to get back up and begin again.

Being aware of Newton’s law can be helpful in our spiritual walk. It’s like a thermometer that measures the momentum of what we are or not doing. It can be a wake-up call or the source of great encouragement.

Dare to consider how inertia is functioning in your life.