September 1, 2012
We’re having a contest on the compound right now. It’s a Biggest Loser weight loss contest. There are teams of 8 players and it is like a 10 week contest. They have lots of fun activities and it is just so great to watch these girls put their all into losing this weight!
I used to hate to exercise. I complained the whole time and usually quit early. I would much rather sit and enjoy an iced coffee than do circuit training! (Can I get an AMEN to that?) And while I do still enjoy coffee more than exercise, I have finally trained my mind, soul and body to look forward to my workout as well.
I don’t think that exercise is all about physical strength. I’ve always been physically strong, but I hated exercise. For me, exercise is all about self-discipline. Living a healthy lifestyle in general is about discipline, whether it be for your body or your soul.
To have a healthy body, you’ve got to have some kind of physical activity. You have to control what you eat. This is not fun! It doesn’t feel good at the time. We can not became a slave to our body and give in to every craving. My weakness is honey buns… with peanut butter… heated in the microwave… but I don’t buy them. That takes HUGE self-control!
What is your weakness? And how are you overcoming it? “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41)
So if the spirit is willing, maybe we ought to start disciplining our spirit and soul, then maybe our bodies will follow suit. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says “May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
We have to practice spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting and daily reading God’s Word. That’s the easy stuff compared to disciplining the body. Remember, “the spirit is willing.”
Proverbs 4:22 says that scripture is “life to those who find it and health to a man’s whole body.” So it starts right here. Get disciplined in spiritual matters. Then it’s easier to get disciplined in physical matters.
Okay, maybe “easier” isn’t the right word there. But if you can train your mind, you can meet any physical goal you set. And in this way we can “Honor God with our body.” (1 Cor. 6:20)
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