I have been a Fitbit wearer for four years off and on. I like keeping track of my steps in a day and feel good about myself when I have done a lot of walking. I remember a phase when I had not been wearing it and mentioned to a fellow-Fitbit-wearing-friend that I felt regretful for not keeping track of my steps during that time. “That’s ok”, she said. “Every step still counts towards your fitness goals whether you know it or not.”

In a recent blog post, Strength of Heart, I shared Bible verses and thoughts on a spiritually strong heart as it has been a topic of study for February. The Fitbit conversation came to mind as I was thinking about a strong heart and the steps it takes to be physically and spiritually strong. Every step of exercise taken works for our benefit whether or not we are tracking our steps. Likewise, each step we take nearer to God counts towards a strong heart spiritually. If growth is not shared on social media, did it really happen? If progress is not spoken aloud in a testimony at church in front of other people, does it count? It sounds ridiculous doesn’t it? Of course, every movement made towards walking in paths of righteousness is beneficial. Every offering of forgiveness, every kindness shown, every light we rekindle through encouragement is fruitful for spiritual growth. Every Scripture verse we read, take to heart, and let change us more into Christ’s image helps us thrive. Many times, we are not the ones to even notice it. When I walk more, my family notices it. My husband will comment that he senses more strength in me and will remind me of how far I have come in my health goals in the last few years. When spiritual growth happens within, others may notice it first. We seem stronger spiritually, less judgmental, more at peace.

So take heart. If you feel as if you have been working so hard on ‘spiritual progress’ and do not feel as if you have striven, know that every step you take towards wisdom, towards kindness, towards forgiveness, towards godliness counts. When I am walking more, I am sore. My muscles hurt and I wonder if I should keep going. However, when my family notices and compliments on the progress, I keep striving for my goal. Spiritual growth hurts, too, sometimes. And when others notice that I have been kinder, more patient, more forgiving, I know that every little move I make draws me nearer to the heart of God. It makes my heart stronger and the life I have in Christ more fruitful.

Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

2 Peter 1:5-9