It’s logical to say that in this day and age our society has adopted a “me, me, me” mentality that is virtually accepted everywhere. The fitness industry isn’t about supporting a team or leading an organization in the right direction– it’s about us. It’s about the individual and personal effort to reach towards a goal. In no way is working out a team sport. It’s as simple as you, yourself doing the work. I mean after all no one else will benefit from YOU eating 7 meals per day. No one else will benefit from YOUR consistent training routine or rigorous early-morning cardio sessions. You’re a one man/woman show.
If training and fitness has become an enjoyable priority in your life then most likely you’ve been well aware of this for some time. You have to put in the hard work to get the results.
Today I want to challenge your thinking. I want to challenge your purpose in training. It’s so easy to give into the world’s beliefs that we can have what we want WHEN we want it, but have you ever thought of the bigger picture? Here’s another question:
Depending on your sport, desired activity or specific goals, these answers can vary. People workout with all sorts of achievements in mind; some don’t even have goals, they just workout and run because society says you have to be physically fit and healthy, so they hope for a positive ending with no clear direction.
With this being said, there is one very unique thing that these goals have in common – They are ALL temporary.
Ok so I can run 10 miles without stopping; I can bench press 315 pounds; I completed my first triathlon, woo!
Now what? Don’t get me wrong here, having personal achievements are extremely important and help tremendously in training mentality and motivation to do great things in life, but is there something that’s more important?
“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” – 1 Timothy 4:8
In the fitness industry today, God is absent. He is left at church when we leave Sunday morning’s service and is stuck waiting there for when we come back. We dive headfirst into the busy week with our routines and God is placed in a separate box that is only opened specific times of the day, if at all.
Many Christians will make this mistake because they do not realize the “big picture.” God doesn’t want SOME of our time or even MOST of our time. He wants to be 100% of our lives. This means that God should be woven into your businesses, your priorities, your activities and your lifestyles.
The Bible tells us that God is the potter and we are the clay (Isaiah 64:8). He forms us into who He calls us to be. Our purpose on this earth is spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him. Everything else is second.
Our lives should be a shining example of God’s love for us and His never-ending grace. We respect Him with our body, mind and soul.
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I encourage anyone reading this to make God a part of your fitness lifestyle. Here are a couple ways to get started:
Ask God to bless your time and abilities in your training. Whatever goal you’re looking to achieve, make your requests known…
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
One of the best ways to keep God a part of my workouts is to blast praise music! This can be rock, rap or straight up worship music. You’ll notice the positive difference in your training. Over time, this can be amazingly effective in keeping God first place in your life.
It’s time to leave behind the popular selfish outlook that has been accepted in society! God is our loving Father so let’s praise Him in our workouts, our sports, our nutrition, our priorities and our lifestyles!
Your Trainer in Christ,
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” –1 Corinthians 10:31