January 15, 2007

 

It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

 

--Philippians 1:20

 

Have you noticed lately how many people seem to be sick and tired? I’m serious! The number of people who either seem to be sick all the time or live in a constant state of fatigue represents a growing trend that is having a huge, negative impact on workplaces, families, and ministries.

 

There’s even a new term in the workplace for this problem: “presenteeism”! It refers to the people who constantly show up sick and tired at work, making the business less productive and having a negative influence on the environment of the office or shop. The problem is that too many people are not living healthy enough lives to make a positive contribution at work, at home, or at church.

 

That’s why I believe it is imperative for us to be both spiritually and physically fit. Paul himself said that Christ should be honored in our bodies. It is both biblical and practical to take care of ourselves physically. Our bodies are the temple of Jesus Christ, so they must be kept pure, strong, and vibrant.

 

Christians are supposed to do everything in the name of and for the glory of Christ, so why shouldn’t we take good care of our bodies for His sake and His glory?  We should be vital in our faith and our fitness! Look at Jesus Himself.  He was no pale weakling. He was a strong, vibrant Man who had the strength to stand up to sinners and endure the pain of the cross.

 

Fitness is a biblical concept. We don’t necessarily need to obsess and stress over it, but we should make an effort to honor God by honoring His temple in the way we care for our bodies through exercise, proper diet, and adequate rest.

 

HONOR CHRIST BY BEING PHYSICALLY FIT.