Did you watch any of the Olympic games last month?  Which Champions earned your loudest cheers – those who sailed gracefully through their event without mishap, or the one who may have had a setback but who obviously poured their whole-hearted effort into it?

To say someone is ‘going through the motions’ suggests they don’t really care about their participation.  We may think they’re offering just a token ‘show’ of respect – one that actually reveals the opposite.

But, could we be wrong? Isn’t that what ‘faith’ can sometimes require?

When our emotions are not positive about what we’ve been called to do; when we follow that advertising slogan and ‘just do it’ — no matter how inadequate we may feel, no matter how little enthusiasm we might have, and no matter how much our fears, tears, or fatigue might suggest that we’re wasting our time; when we stand on wobbly legs and, with shaking knees, we get up for one more ’try’ — going through the motions might reflect heroism, not apathy.

Could this be a useful, deliberate strategy?  It has worked for me in a couple of different ways.

First: We can harness the power of taking action.  Albert Einstein observed that bodies in motion tend to stay in motion … and bodies at rest tend to stay at rest.

So, if we have a challenge to face or a task to accomplish, while we remain fatigued, uncertain or reluctant to make the attempt, we can give ourselves a boost by going through the motions.  Once we’re moving – we take advantage of the tendency to stay in motion, until we are fully able to engage and/or until the job is done.

Second:  We can gain a boost in confidence and motivation by linking two strategies. ‘Act as if’ … is one of those strategies.  When faced with a challenge we thought was beyond our abilities, yet we have no alternative but to get on with it, we can ‘Act as if’ we knew we could, and just dive in. I’m not suggesting reckless behavior – but with prayer and participation, it’s amazing what we can accomplish when we act as if we can.  In the process we may very well be just going through the motions.

The take-away message is that we should be aware of the difference between half-hearted, minimal engagement, and the deliberate application of ‘going through the motions’.

Avoid the first because;

1. So then, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of [our great] God”. 1 Corinthians 10:31 AMP (Half-hearted efforts won’t do.)
2. Life is most engaging and satisfying when we are ‘all in’

Second: Do deliberately apply the strategy as needed when (if) you find yourself teetering on the edge of uncertainty in your ability to meet a good challenge.  Don’t let fear freeze your promise. Instead, say a prayer and then ‘just do it’ because;

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose —I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] AMP

Matthew 19:26

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” AMP

We can ‘act as if ‘ we really believe this.  I remember a race where a lone runner crossed the finish line long after the last of all others had done so. He couldn’t possibly win – but he was (heroically)  ‘going through the motions’ to keep his commitment to finish. His is the face I remember, long after all others have faded into yesteryear, and that memory still inspires me. I hope this encourages you.

Blessings, Love, and Laughter,

Margaret