In the physical world, especially when it comes to our bodies and fitness, there are certain things that have to go hand in hand to be effective.
If you’re trying to lose weight, running is great. But if every run ends at the donut shop, your progress will stall. Similarly, if you’re trying to build muscle, lifting weights is essential. But without proper nutrition to provide the building blocks, your body can’t grow stronger.
The same principle applies to the spiritual life. Many things go hand in hand, working together to help us grow in holiness.
Take prayer and activity. Prayer fuels our activity—it gives meaning and direction to what we do. It’s easier to live the Gospel when we’ve spent time with the Gospel, letting it shape our hearts and minds.
Without prayer, our activities can become empty busyness, untethered from God’s will. And without activity, our prayer life risks becoming isolated, detached from the world we’re called to serve.
Just like in fitness, balance is key. We need both the discipline of prayer and the effort of action. One feeds the other. Prayer strengthens us for the work God calls us to, and through that work, we bring His love to others.