Funyuns and the Gym

Last week I had my annual physical exam. Good news, no colonoscopy scheduled – bad news, my Doctor gave me her lecture that I was borderline on a number of key issues, and that if I didn’t make some lifestyle changes, I would put myself at risk for serious consequences. At 50+ I feel like I can relate to the Apostle Paul when he says For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. (Rom. 7:15 ESV) I know very well what lifestyle choices my doctor instructs me to take: eat more vegetables, less sodium, less saturated fats, less carbs., less overall calorie intake, less sitting on my rear and to exercise more. I want to be healthy so why is that so hard to do? The short answer stings with two Biblical words: gluttony and slothfulness.

I really, really like eating good, tasty food with sodium, saturated fats chuck full of carbs like Buffalo Wings, fried chicken & gravy, salty chips, buttered popcorn, Funyuns and any fatty pork or beef. I confess, I show little restraint in what and how much I eat, which to me, fits within the definition of gluttony. Ouch!

The second sting of Truth is my lack of physical exercise. I sit at work, I sit in the car, I sit at home. My natural default to physical exercise is to avoid it. Exercise takes planning, time, effort and work. Over the years I have allowed A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, (Prov. 6:10 ESV) to lull me into slothfulness. Double Ouch!  

Writing this confession to you helps me to clarify what is at the heart of my resistance to healthy lifestyle choices, and that it may be more of a spiritual battle within me than at first glance. I repent. This last year I have taken some steps to be more active. I joined a gym and I try to work out 3-5 times a week and it’s been beneficial to me not only in my weight level and pant size, but in how I feel, how I sleep, and how much energy I have. But I still have a long way to go to be as active as I need to be. My eating habits and food choices are a much more difficult struggle. I am striving for self-discipline and moderation.

For you my Brother, I encourage you to pursue good health. You can best fulfill your God given roles with strength and vitality through a purposeful healthy lifestyle. You will be a better husband, more engaged father, more active grandfather, with more energy to be fully engaged in work, business and ministry. You will discover that your physical health affects your mental health, your emotional health and yes, even your spiritual health.

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. (3 John 1:2 ESV)