Resistance Builds Spiritual Strength

Today, Deseret News posted an article authored by Kristine Frederickson explaining why resistance is necessary for an individual’s spiritual growth. 

Because it is important that we know and understand the principles of the gospel, it should not surprise us that Heavenly Father frequently exemplifies them in the world around us. There is one principle so important that it is persistently taught in a variety of settings.

I call it the “Law of Resistance,” and I thought about it recently on an early bike ride while in Arizona. It was a beautiful day and a person can cover long distances relatively quickly on a bicycle — if they are willing to pedal.

However, biking and pedaling involve resistance. Pursuing your journey comes at a cost. When you pedal and do so consistently, you will find that it is taxing and takes effort. It takes your feet and leg muscles pushing against the pedals to make forward progress.

The same holds true with weightlifting. You pick a weight up in your hand and you lift and curl it to your shoulder. It may not be difficult at first but after a number of repetitions — because you encounter resistance — you begin to feel the “burn” in your arm.

So why does a person lift weights? Why does a person take bike rides? Why do some choose to attack steep hills?

It is because they seek greater physical strength and they recognize the personal benefits of strong legs and strong arms. After all, legs are the primary “vehicle” that accommodate human mobility, and strong arms and legs allow a person to lift and carry heavy loads. Humans benefit by increasing or maintaining good leg and arm strength, and this happens only when a person continues physical activity in the face of resistance.

Read Frederickson’s full article at DeseretNews.com.