Recently I've begun to focus more on my health and overall fitness . . . not that I think I'll be a ripped fitness model; nor would I want to be . . . but I have taken an interest in working out and striving to eat more nutritiously. There are several reasons for this . . .
LORDY, LORDY LOOK WHO'S FORTY
Yes. It happened a few months ago. I turned 40. At such a mile-stone in life it's good to examine yourself and see where you've been and where you're heading. As I did this, I guess I didn't like where I saw myself heading physically and the impact it had on me emotionally and spiritually. So, I figured something needed to change.
MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL
Ok . . . I'm not going to lie . . . there is vanity at work here. I admit it . . . I want to look better. Self-image has its place - and we must strive to keep it in it's place - but when you look in the mirror and don't like what you see - still maintaining a proper perspective on things - it creates a desire within you to make some positive changes in your life. I want to feel good physically and emotionally. I want my wife to actually be attracted to me. I know she loves me and will/would love me regardless of how I look . . . BUT if I can make a change in lifestyle that will strengthen myself, my marriage relationship, and most every other area of life . . . why not make some changes?
SOMEBODY'S WATCHIN' ME
One's example is critical . . . especially when you know you have impressionable children watching how you live: where you go, what you say, what you eat, how you behave . . . ultimately, God's called me to be a good and godly example to children. I want them to see (among many other things) the importance of maintaining good overall heath when it comes to exercise and nutrition. It's not just about "the kids" . . . it's my desire to be a good and godly example to every one with whom I come into contact. The word tells me that in whatever I do . . . including my health habits . . . I am to do all for the glory of God [see I Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17].
I AM NOT MY OWN
As a follower of Jesus, I have committed to honoring God with my body. Scripture tells me that my body is the dwelling place of the Spirit of God and that I am not my own - I have been bought with a price; therefore, I am to glorify God in my body [see I Corinthians 6:19-20]. "For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live the for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's" [Romans 14:7-8].
In all of this, we must maintain a proper perspective. Looking good, working out, losing weight, building muscle . . . are good things, but we must recognize that these, like many things, can be taken to the extreme . . . even to the point of addictions and disorders. In the midst of it all we must remember: "Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" [1 Timothy 4:8].
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