An often-overlooked fact is that, once halted, momentum can be unbelievably difficult to rebuild. There is at the Ford Museum in Detroit, Michigan a steam locomotive that is 125 feet long and weighs 1.2 million pounds. Sixty of these massive engines were built, beginning in 1941. Some were used to haul coal out of the mountains of West Virginia and others appear to have been used during World War II to bring supplies to the huge manufacturing plants in Detroit. At 7,500 HP, these engines could travel at a top speed of 60 miles per hour while pulling passenger cars. When the locomotive came to a stop, it could be held in place with a little block of wood strategically placed under a wheel. However, according to one source, when moving fast, the momentum of the engine could easily carry it through a five-foot wall of reinforced concrete.
Building momentum is a challenge in all walks of life. During athletic competitions, sports commentators frequently mention changes in momentum in the competing teams. Losing momentum can result in defeat while gaining momentum raises expectations of victory.
In other walks of life, who hasn’t heard about “jumping on the bandwagon” or “going with the flow”? These are expressions describing the attraction we feel about being on the positive side of momentum.
While there are many directions we might go by way of spiritual application, consider how this relates to making changes in our Christian lives. The beginning of a new year is often a time when people identify needed changes and set course-corrections for their lives. Growth is not possible without change. But, change is inherently difficult because it requires a shift in momentum or, in some instances, building momentum all over again. But, once we have set our course in its proper direction, having carefully considered God’s teachings and having prayerfully committed ourselves to making necessary changes; it is then that we must begin the process of building momentum by repeatedly carrying out these changes on a daily basis. In so doing, we not only build momentum, but also develop new habits that lead to positive changes in character as well.
However, once momentum is established, it must be maintained with perseverance. The apostle Paul writes, “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary” (Gal. 6:9). Changes are required of every one who is seeking to put on the new self after the image of our Creator (Col. 3:10). But, rather than having to continually go back to square one and start all over again, we should keep our momentum going and build on the foundation which has already been laid (cf. Hb. 5:12-6:2) and “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that [our] toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).