The following is a guest post from my friend Andrew Lanier. I was able to write one for him a few months ago and he has kindly done the same.
First of all, some of you may not know me. I am a longtime friend and schoolmate of Aaron's. He was kind enough to write a guest blog (Top 5 Members of a 90's R&B group) for me on my blog: laniera74.blogspot.com. I am more than happy to return the favor, as I have known him for a couple of decades now and he, in my humble opinion, is the REAL deal when it comes to serving and witnessing about Jesus Christ.
Now my blogs are quite different from what you would normally find behind the Wardrobe Door. I do talk about my faith and give God the praise and such. However, I discuss a wider variety of subjects, from music, entertainment, sports, finance, controversial topics, and even fitness.
I want to talk about how health and fitness (especially by joining an attending a gym or fitness center) is parallel to worshipping the Lord and attending church on the regular. First of all, I'm much more dedicated to health and wellness than I was as a young adult. I lost over 100 lbs, down from above 300, to become slightly more muscular and more healthy.
I go to the gym several times a week, doing several different exercises and regimens to stay in shape. I also eat very healthy during most of the week so I won't pack on excess weight. I'm not a trainer or a minister. But I feel I am an enthusiast on both of these subjects, and can speak intelligently on both.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19, it discusses about the body being a temple, and that we should honor God through our body and taking proper care of it. I truly believe there is a spiritual connection in fitness and I'm living proof. When I first set out to lose that 100 pounds, I read the Bible and prayed for God's guidance. Less than a year later, I received His favor. I continue to pray to Him as I maintain and improve my health each day.
Many of us go to church virtually every time the door is open. Sunday School, singing, preaching, Bible Study, prayer meetings, etc. You not only form a bond with the Lord, but with the church through the spirit and fellowship of others. When you miss church, you may often experience a feeling of emptiness. It's like you feel bad or guilty for missing.
I've found that once you're dedicated to working out around others at a gym, you feel the same sort of separation anxiety when you miss a workout. Just as a TV minister may not can fill that void, its difficult for a home workout to do that as well. I feel more motivated, energized and driven when I'm at the gym among like minded folks that are there to improve their well being. Church is a similar concept, fellowshipping with like minded Christians.
Ephesians 2:10 talks about sharing God's masterpiece. He created us all, and he expects us to care for ourselves in the best way, physically, spiritually, mentally and socially. He wants us to achieve our best through Him.
During the beginning of the year (present day), gyms and fitness centers everywhere are still packed with folks who make New Years Resolutions to lose weight. In a few weeks, some folks will start falling to the wayside, as many of us often do in our walk with Christ. Just as folks leave church, they also start leaving the gym.
I strongly encourage those currently in the gym and working out somewhere, even at home, to stay at it. Stick to your healthy diet. God is with you in this journey as well and will reward you in due time. Think how committed you are to God and church and apply that dedication to your health and fitness. I can guarantee you will see a difference.
I want to add one more scripture from 1 Corinthians 10:31. Basically, whatever you consume into your body, do it the full glory of the Lord. I believe its a nice capstone for my overall message.
I hope to guest blog more often on The Wardrobe Door. Visit my blog when you get a chance: Drew's World of Random Intelligence and Such. I post at least one long blog like this one per week, and often a few short blogs throughout the week. Visit anytime, follow and leave feedback!
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