My Algorithm
I had to get real with the Lord on what to write this time. It was coming down to the wire, or what I consider the wire, and I did not have anything on my heart. This was last week.
He came through, like always.
I was getting ready for work and listening to a fitness creator that goes live on TikTok with how to be healthy in your 40s. I’m unsure whether this was the Lord being funny or not, but He got my attention and poured this devotion into my heart, and I mean it hit me square in the heart.
This fitness creator was talking about how our bodies have algorithms, just like the algorithms used on social media platforms and other technological things. Even my insulin pump has an algorithm.
One definition Google gives for algorithm is: a data-tracking system in which an individual’s internet search history and browsing habits are used to present them with similar or related material on social media or other platforms.
The creator was saying that when lifting weights, we need to do the same exercises every week but add weight each week. Our body algorithm can’t figure out the pattern when our weightlifting routine is inconsistent. We can’t achieve the results we want because we are so inconsistent in our health journey. Most likely not counting those hidden snacks we eat when no one is watching. Maybe we make excuses to the point we have excessive rest days. Also, we’re probably trying to add 25lbs instead of 5lbs of lifting each week because we are impatient with the process.
While I’m listening to the creator and the Lord at the same time, I’m thinking I want to be in the Word more, workout in the mornings, eat breakfast, pack my lunch, and get a head start on supper each night. Also, get 8 hours of sleep.
Here is where the Lord dealt with me. You gotta get consistent and quit playing games, like sneaking in an unnecessary snack when no one is looking. The Lord knows when you’re doom scrolling when you can be doing something productive to take care of your relationship with the Lord. You gotta show your spiritual algorithm what the pattern is. You gotta dress for the occasion.
See, we wake up and take the Lord for granted most times. He allows me to wake up and each day I’m given breath I’m also given 24 hours to do all the things.
I can’t keep saying yes to all the snacks that I don’t have time for. I can’t be at all the places for all the things. We have to say no to some things. Our spiritual algorithm matters and it’s us who controls the pattern.
Instead of me scrolling social media the 3 hours I’m awake before work, I could get up and get dressed to work out, but designate 30 mins to read the Word, 30 mins to workout, 30 mins to make breakfast, prepare my lunch and get supper defrosting.
The consistency in the patterns would allow my algorithm to stay stable when plans change, life falls apart, or I must make an unplanned stop after work.
Galations 5:22-26
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Now, I’m not saying we are going to have this perfect schedule, but for the most part we control the algorithm of our life. We decide if we can fit something else on our plate or not. We decide if reading the Word and taking care of our temple is more important than doom scrolling.
If we aren’t careful, we won’t be able to express the fruit of the Spirit. We are too busy, unfocused, stressed, don’t have enough time to think, allow things to slide through the cracks, end up making excuses of why we were able to accomplish what we committed to.
Let’s train our algorithm!
Rays of Sunshine inc 