A growing number of people find that wearing a pedometer helps them increase their level of daily exercise. The step-counting device is both a recorder and a motivator for them. Knowing how many steps they take encourages them to walk more.

One woman, whose goal was to take 10,000 steps a day, began parking farther away from her workplace and doing more active tasks around the office. Her awareness of the pedometer helped produce a lifestyle change.

Observable reminders have a place in our walk with Christ as well. When God instructed the Israelites to keep His commands in their hearts, He also told them to make visible reminders of the Word: “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deut. 6:8-9). The purpose was not physical decoration but spiritual deliverance: “Beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage” (v.12).

Words of Scripture on a plaque, a memory card, or a calendar can turn our focus toward the Lord throughout the day. These visible reminders of Christ and His Word will encourage our steps of obedience to Him.  — David C. McCasland