Diet and Exercise for the Glory of God

    I finally did something that I'd delayed doing for very a long time. I started meeting with a health coach! A healthy lifestyle has been an off and on again commitment for me. I realized that in order to succeed this time, I needed somebody to hold me accountable. He would work with me in setting attainable goals, meet with me regularly to see how I'm doing with meeting those goals, give me the tough message if I do not make the necessary effort to achieve what I committed myself to do, affirm me when I do accomplish them, and help me to raise the bar higher over time.

    So what got me to this point? Several reasons : mid-life, waistline, not liking what I saw in the mirror but ultimately, that Christ would be exalted in my body whether in life or in death (Philippians 1:20). God gave us this physical body that is useful for doing His will here on earth. So maintain it well. I also asked myself, "Would Christ be exalted in my dying if the reason for my death were heart and cardiovascular diseases that could have been prevented if I had paid attention to my health?"

    I will therefore go on a diet and exercise for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), as a means by which I will have the necessary energy and strength to obey him for His pleasure. On the other hand, health and exercise becomes unprofitable if it replaces Jesus Christ as my highest treasure and the foremost affection in my heart. According to Paul, "For 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)."

     My health coach became excited for me when I explained my reasons for meeting with him. "That is a very strong motivation!" he said. And I pray that he will be receptive to the gospel as a result.

    The first goal is to lose weight. For the next two weeks, I will keep a food journal, walk 15-30 minutes a day, and go to the gym once a week. So far, I've been faithful. Enjoyed walking with my son last weekend and we discovered a pond about a mile and a half away from home. Tonight, I enjoyed walking with my wife around the neighborhood and got to see impressive Christmas lights put up in some homes.

    Live for Christ!