Skinny Genes Part 2: Putting it in Perspective
After nearly two weeks of “Upgrading” my body, I have learned that I have had to upgrade a few more things to match, specifically, my prayer life. Prayer, fasting, and consecration have to go along with the physical fitness piece. To consecrate is to devote or dedicate to some purpose (Dictionary.com). A purpose-filled life means that each aspect/activity of my life serves some purpose. So what has the purpose of my upgrade been?
Truth be told, I really want to be better able to play with my son who is nearly three years old. But even greater than that is the desire to be in the best shape possible for ministry. See, my life is a ministry. I have come to the point where I realize that even my body and how I care for it are a representation of Christ. I am not saying nor will I ever say that people who don’t appear physically fit in my “plank-filled” eye misrepresent Christ. But what I am saying is that it is very important to take care of the vessel that houses your soul and His Spirit. My service to God will suffer if I do not take time to care for myself.
Caring for self looks different to everyone. Some need to lose weight, some need to lower cholesterol, some need to lower blood pressure, some need to stop drinking or smoking, and some need to STOP participating in risky sexual behavior. ALL need to eat healthily, and ALL need to incorporate some physical activity in their lives! Physical fitness can lead to a longer LIFE.
As for exercise, it is not needful or even desirable to put in long hours at the gym. A basic level of physical fitness can be attained in as little as 30 minutes, three or four times a week. More would be needful to attain even more beneficial levels, but about six hours a week is really the most that is needed for general fitness purposes. A physician needs to be consulted before beginning a fitness program. It may be a surprise to find out that most of us are NOT generally FIT.
However, since Christians know that God is with them, they sometimes feel it is unnecessary to make needed lifestyle changes to help prevent such diseases saying that, "God will protect me." But Satan tempted Jesus to prove he was the Son of God, by telling Him to jump off the temple. Jesus refused, despite knowing that God would save Him, saying, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'" (Matthew 4:5-7) To engage in unhealthy practices while claiming God as your protector is tempting Him.
Paul said, "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection ..." (1Corinthians 9:27). The key word here is "discipline." Starting and maintaining a proper diet and exercise program involves more than anything else, discipline and caring enough for yourself (again, "...as you love yourself") to take care of yourself. What I have learned is a lesson in discipline.
Although following a proper diet and exercise program is important, during the last two weeks I have learned that obsessing over my program is not healthy either. In regards to diet, Paul wrote, "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17). The key is balance. Balance between not caring about my body at all and obsessing over it.
Below is a link to the ABCs of fitness—a creative way to view your health with scriptural references. You can also find out about Athletics Plus Fitness Group sponsored by SOLiD Projects, LLC with a link below. Just click the SERVICES tab.
Love you!!
Tiffaney K. Draper, CEO and Founder
Designer Genes, LLC
designergenesllc@gmail.com
404-200-7911
http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=1118221
www.solidprojectsonline.com
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