Get a workout!

A good dose of the scripture can be just as exhausting as a long workout. Case in point, check out the passage below:

1 Timothy 4:1-10

Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will desert the faith and occupy themselves with deceiving spirits and demonic teachings, influenced by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creation of God is good and no food is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer. 

By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. But reject those myths fit only for the godless and gullible, and train yourself for godliness. For “physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.” This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.

I don't know about you, but I'm still trying to chew on all of that.

Right now I'm just an awe of the striking parallels between the overhyped, under-studied health craze culture and the overzealous, under-trained faith-healing culture...

The health market rolls out a new wonder weight-loss drug every few months, which is eventually debunked. Likewise, a new false preacher comes around and convinces everyone that HE has an anointing, only to disappoint people when he can't provide what they need.

But what they NEED is Christ. How can they know Christ more? By reading his word.

And what do the wonder-drug consumers need? Exercise, a balanced diet, self-control and plenty of water.

But, hey - at least some people have the right idea - some people realize that they need to be trained how to improve their bodies, which is why so many personal trainers have a job.

If only spiritual training were quite as lucrative as physical conditioning.

There are a lot of trainers whose personal idea of success is different than what your body needs. Do you want to be muscular? Run fast? Emphasize curves? Become leaner? Each trainer will approach your workout plan from a different angle.

Likewise, my experience taking on a religion & philosophy minor taught me that each of my teachers emphasized different things as being more important to an individual's walk with the Lord. Some emphasized social justice, others emphasized total accuracy, yet others emphasized showing grace above all else.

But the important part is to make the effort and work out.