Resolutions

2012: it's a new year alright. While I have not resolved to do anything yet, I happen to come across an article that caught my attention. It was entitled, Resolving to Lose More than Pounds: What theology might have to do with your New Year’s resolution.

The article was an interview of Gary Thomas who wrote the new book, "Every Body Matters", and what surprised me was his perspective on food, fitness and how we can be better stewards of our bodies in order to prepare and grow ourselves more spiritually.

The interviewer, Matthew Lee Anderson, asked what Thomas meant when he suggested that 'our efforts should not be for fitness per se, but building a "silver soul"', and Thomas pointed out that "The goal is not an athletic looking body or a magazine-worthy body", but to understand that "We keep up our bodies because our bodies carry our souls. They are what we minister out of, what we speak out of, what we travel out of, and ultimately what we pray and worship and serve out of."

Taking it to the church, Thomas said that, "If a church publicly proclaims physical fitness as a biblical value that stems from the stewardship of our bodies, if we accept the passage that 'our bodies are not our own, but we're bought with a price,' we'll start to get in shape within the church out of love for God." I thought this made so much sense! I need to remember that this body of mine is not really my own, but bought at the price of Jesus' death and ought to be used as a vessel for Christ.

In order for me to do that, I need to keep fit. :)

Speaking from his own experience, Thomas also said that "Some of my best times worshipping are when I'm out on a run. And that feeds my Sunday morning worship." I thought that was pretty awesome. I never could connect with God like that during my runs. I think I'll have to relook into the way I view my exercise, that is to not exercise just to be fit (for whatever other motives), but to exercise for God and be a good steward of this body that He has given me.

Blessed new year.