We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14). The human body has been compared to the church and its head to Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18). The members which make up the body, though different in many ways, are placed in the body in just such a way as to produce unity in form and function (1 Cor. 12:12).

The body is comprised of both voluntary and involuntary muscles. Involuntary muscles work behind the scenes and are not subject to human will. Both the heart and the stomach are examples of involuntary muscles.

Connected to the skeleton, voluntary muscles are subject to the will. We walk because we decide to walk. The various muscles involved in the process receive their “marching orders” from the brain. Muscle-memory is the process by which we are trained to perform many specific movements with little or no conscious thought. Something very difficult in its beginning stages becomes routine with practice. We count it a blessing to be able to get out of bed in the morning without having to concentrate on every minute muscle-movement working in perfect harmony so that we can avoid running into the wall. In this way, God has created us with remarkable efficiency in carrying out the daily tasks of life.

This capacity to short-cut conscious thought is closely related to what we call habits. Settled in tendencies become habits. Habits can be good or bad. Bad habits are hard to break. The will must be engaged. The flesh must be denied controlling power in our lives. Walking by the Spirit is a deliberate decision requiring careful attention (Gal. 5:16). But, once good habits are developed, rest from previously hard-fought struggles can open up space to pursue further development into the likeness of Jesus Christ. However, a word of warning seems appropriate: without ongoing watchfulness, forgotten vices can return with renewed vengeance (1 Cor. 10:12).

Like a voluntary muscle, spiritual growth is intentional. Motivated by love, we must be intensely determined to abide by God’s law, not becoming “a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer” (Jas. 1:25). With proper safeguards in place, background programs can run behind the scenes while we move forward into deeper paths of service in the Lord’s kingdom.

–Glen Elliott–