Keeping fit - physically, and spiritually.

A website to which I subscribe has provided a video workout for Beginners. You may like to try it!!


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Keeping our bodies in good condition is something that we all know we should do. It's also something that is Biblically sound! Christians are told that our bodies are the temple of God, the Holy Spirit (I Cor.6:19) and, as such, should be kept in the best condition possible. We may not all be able to be Olympic standard sportsmen/women, but we can all do something other than turn into couch potatoes!! And, of course, as we progress, we discover that we are able to accomplish more and more.

However, of even greater importance is spiritual fitness. The protests over the Chinese occupation of Tibet have brought the Beijing Olympics a level of publicity not normally seen so far ahead of the Opening Ceremony. And it got me thinking about the spiritual sports commentary that we find in the pages of the New Testament. For example, in just one brief passage Paul refers to running; training; boxing; and self-discipline. (I Cor 9:24-27) Writing to the church in the Roman garrison town of Philippi, he may well have had that supreme test of endurance, the marathon, in mind when he wrote: “Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.” (3:13b-14); while, in his letters to Timothy, he speaks of fighting the good fight, and of gaining the victor's crown/laurel wreath (I Tim 6:12; II Tim 2:5; II Tim 4:7-8). The writer of the Letter to Hebrew Christians refers to the spectators urging the believer on (12:1)

Right now, athletes all over the world are training hard for the 29th Olympiad. But in what sort of training should the Christian be involved? Well, just as the athlete has different exercises to build up both general fitness, and physical strength, so the believer has different areas in which to work. I would suggest that prayer is the first. This is the way in which we may be said to be in direct touch with our Trainer. Then there is our daily reading of His Word - getting our direction; being brought into an ever-closer relationship with the Lord. Thirdly, there is witnessing. Not everyone is gifted as an evangelist, but every believer is a witness. The only question is as to the kind of witness I am!

In spite of China's appalling record on human rights - experienced by many Christians on a daily basis (see some of my favourite links) - many will, in due course, tune in to watch the Games. But if you are a believer, people are constantly watching you - and what they see in you will be what they see of Jesus. Let's be sure that they get a good picture, from a people who are spiritually fit, and bringing honour, not just to a nation, but to the King of all of the nations.