Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So, I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. I Corinthians 9:24-27
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Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. I Timothy 4:7-8
My father laughed when I joined a local gym in my mid-thirties. At the time, upon the birth of our daughter, I couldn’t walk up four flights of stairs without gasping for air. Something needed to change or I’ll never see my daughter grow up. So, I joined the gym.
He laughed because his work kept him in physical shape. He was always active. There is a family picture of him doing pushups with his three children sitting on his back. He didn’t have to join a gym. He was a rough carpenter building homes for a living. His eight hours a day made him exert physical muscles that I discovered only at the gym.
But the gym then was a life savior for me. The first day the female trainer took me around and showed how to use all the equipment. The embarrassing time came when she would lift the 65-pound bar with ease and I couldn’t lift it once. That is how far this youthful athlete fell into despair.
But over time and effort the body came back into shape. Climbing four flights of stairs was afterwards a piece of cake. Lifting 65-pound weights in any arm was child’s play. The gym help jump start this body to once again appreciate God’s creation. The preparedness gave me confidence to face any physical challenge that came along.
The apostle Paul often compared athletic training with the Christian practice. When one exercises daily disciplines, one trains the body and soul to face life’s adventures. As the athlete focuses on the prize, the Christ-follower aims at becoming more like Jesus. There is purpose and discipline behind every action. Paul’s conclusion is one who pursues and trains in godliness will benefit in this life as well as for eternity.
I have not been in a gym for a long time. But when I did, it was to jump start this body unto a path of both physical and spiritual discipline. Since then, I have included in my daily morning routine activities to build the body and soul. No more gym required. But the discipline is to continue the importance of training the body and soul. To be ready for the challenges of facing everyday life. Both physical and spiritual health requires a game plan. It just doesn’t happen. Poor health most often happens because of negligence. The same with spiritual health.
So, if you don’t have a daily routine scheduled in your day for both, start. Otherwise, when it comes time to climb those stairs or face evil, you may fail the test. The worst part is all could have been avoided if you took the time to prepare your body and soul beforehand.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:
- Power Up With Jesus Book Series- Aspirations for a Grace-Paced Life
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!
Radical In Christ 