Fitness – Page 2 – Muscular Christianity

Vitamins vs Popeye

You may have heard the terms “Essential” vs “Non-Essential.”

They refer to the ability of your body to manufacture its own nutrients as opposed to those nutrients that have to be obtained through a healthy diet.

For example, Vitamin D is a result of a process your body uses to synthesize sunlight. You don’t eat it like you would a vegetable, so, in that way, it’s considered “non-essential.” Protein (amino acids) can also be broken down into that which your body can make on its own as well as those that have to be consumed. And it’s those nutrients that have to be consumed that comprise the “essential” category of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. For a complete list of “non-essential” and “essential” nutrients, click here.

One thing that’s worth underlining, however, is the fact that while your body can produce certain nutrients on its own, it can only do that if properly nourished and here’s where we get into the idea of “Vitamins vs. Popeye.”

“Popeye, the sailor man” was a hugely popular animated figure that would often find himself in a spot that required a superhuman boost in energy and strength in order to defeat the bad guy and save Olive Oyl, his forever sweetheart. In order to secure this boost, he would pop open a can of spinach.

On the surface, it’s easy to gloss over this cartoon as entertainment and miss the message this is consistent with all that you want to be considering when it comes to being fit.

It’s not that Spinach makes you incredibly strong. You’ll see articles that criticize the affect that Popeye had on Spinach sales as kids rushed to their local grocery store with their moms in search of the magical vegetable that would make them bigger than life.

While red meat does contain more iron than spinach, the fact of the matter is red meat contains far more fat than spinach. A plant based diet, whether you’re looking for protein (which does build protein) or the vitamins and minerals that fall under the heading of “essential vitamins,” is far superior to anything that comes from an animal because of the fat and other chemical entities that tend to get “stuck” in your arteries.

Beyond that is the idea that, even if you’re not quickly downing a can of spinach, the notion that you can pop a pill or swallow a powder to provide your body with what it needs without having to concern yourself with an intelligent dietary regimen is pure folly.

That may come as a surprise, given the prolific amount of marketing that has gone into promoting everything from protein powder to vitamin supplements. The problem comes with the way your body processes food as opposed to the way it processes a “pill.” Here’s the bottom line:

Because nutrition operates as an infinitely complex biochemical system involving thousands of chemicals and thousands of effects on your health, it makes little nor no sense that isolated nutrients taken as supplements can substitute for whole foods. Supplements will not lead to long-lasting health and may cause unforeseen side effects. Furthermore, for those relying on supplements, beneficial and sustained diet change is postponed. The dangers of a Western diet cannot be overcome by consuming nutrient pills.¹

Supplements became popular in the mid 1980’s. Since then it has become a 32 billion dollar industry. It got a huge boost as a result of two pieces of legislation: The 1976 Proxmire Amendment that allowed supplements to be sold without a prescription and the 1994 dietary Supplement Health and Education Act which established standards for supplements in general. In between those two legal measures was a scientific study in 1982 where some of its scientific contributors emphasized the increased consumption of vitamins and minerals, but in the context of a whole foods. It was stated implicitly that their recommendations was not to be interpreted as an endorsement of isolated dietary supplements. Industrial pundits pushed back aggressively and, in spite of a decision made by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission that the vitamin supplement companies where making health claims that were deemed inappropriate, the “industry” won the day which resulted in what some regard as the “biggest health hoaxes of all time: the nutrient supplement industry.²”

So, while Popeye may have been exaggerating things by promoting the idea that spinach was going to make you strong, he was absolutely on point as far as saying that it’s going to be a plant based diet that’s going to make you fit and healthy as opposed a habit of swallowing pills and consuming powders believing that can substitute for a good diet or effectively compensate for a bad one.

And there you have it!

“I fight to the finish, cause I eat my spinach, I’m Popeye the sailor man…”

1. “The China Study”, T. Collin Campbell, PhD, Thomas M. Campbell II, MD, BenBella Books, Inc, Dallas TX, 2016, p220

2. Ibid, p220

The China Study | Part II

She just seemed weird

First of all, she was a vegetarian. That always seemed a little “off” to me because, oftentimes, that dietary regimen always seemed to be accompanied with some eccentricities that, as a whole, just seemed weird. In this case, she used organic deodorant as well as organic toothpaste…

Now, while I never asked her about her rationale, I’m sure she could’ve elaborated on all kinds of health concerns and environmental factors, but the fact of the matter was, she was very pale and – not just skinny – she was frail looking. In other words, she just seemed weird.

Fast forward several years later

While I’m not reevaluating my deodorant or toothpaste, I do have a much different approach to an all plant diet. Granted, while my openmindedness is inspired in part by some fitness goals, the substance that characterizes the argument in favor of a diet that avoids any kind of dairy or animal based protein sources is downright compelling.

One thing that should be stated up front, however, is that it can be very difficult to “hear” the voice of sound science above the din of marketing campaigns, cultural norms and a business landscape that is focused more on what influences the consumer than what actually benefits the consumer. How does one distinguish the difference between the source that’s offering you a comprehensive, full color portrait as opposed to the one that’s giving you a judiciously positioned black and white snapshot?

I’ve decided that if I can corroborate what’s being presented with other credible sources that aren’t necessarily fitness related…

…and if what I’m hearing runs contrary to what makes sense if your desire is to make money by promoting industrial preferences…

…then, I’m going to listen.

One of the oldest “books” around

That said, it says in Genesis 1:29 that when God first put humanity on the map, it was fruits and vegetables on the menu and that was it (Gen 1:29). Meat would become a part of the picture later (Gen 9:3), but, from the standpoint of one of the oldest texts we have available to us, fruits and vegetables are mentioned very prominently, if not exclusively, as far as what’s going to work best with the way our bodies are wired.

So, there’s that.

Then you’ve got the tension that invariably exists when you publish facts that fly in the face of conventional medicine and big money food manufacturers. There is a place for surgery just as there is a place for good tasting food. But you don’t want to rely on surgery to repair what should be remedied with a change in your lifestyle and you don’t want to structure your diet around items that should be embraced as occasional treats as opposed to standard meals.

So, when you’ve got a team of scientists that are appropriately guarded in the way they conduct their research knowing that their findings, however conclusive they may be, are still not especially welcome in some circles – it they’re still bold enough to publish their findings – that makes them all the more credible in my mind because they’re not benefiting themselves at all by criticizing a paradigm that is both traditional and lucrative.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is you can treat, prevent and even reverse a number of diseases that are traditionally categorized as ailments that can only be addressed in the context of pharmaceuticals and surgery. And while it might seem that you have to be fairly detailed in your choice of fruits and vegetables in order to get the full protein profile along with all the nutrients you need, you don’t. It’s really pretty easy and by eating a plant based diet, you’re getting everything you need in a manner is absorbed by your body without any of the health threatening side effects that accompany the kind of nutrition provided by animal products.

Take a look at the following chart¹:

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF PLANT AND ANIMAL-BASED FOODS (per 500 calories of energy)
Nutrient	Plant-Based Foods	Animal Based Foods
Cholesterol (mg)	–	137
Fat (g)	4	36
Protein (g)	33	34
Beta-carotene (mcg)	29,919	17
Dietary Fiber (g)	31	–
Vitamin C (mg)	293	4
Folate (mcg)	1168	19
Vitamin E (mg_ATE)	11	0.5
Iron (mg)	20	2
Magnesium (mg)	548	51
Calcium (mg)	545	252
^Equal parts of tomatoes, spinach, lima beans, peas and potatoes ^*Equal parts of beef, pork, chicken and whole milk

Color me weird…

In “The China Study,” Dr. Campbell cites some pretty sobering statistics. He says…

If you are an American male, you have a 47% chance of getting cancer. If you’re an American woman, you have a 38% chance of contracting the disease. In addition, as a nation, we are fast becoming the most obese nation on planet earth with overweight Americans now outnumbering those who maintain a healthy weight. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, almost a third of adults 20 years or older are obese. “One is considered obese if they’re carrying more than a third of a person above and beyond a healthy weight.”²

And then he goes on to say…

Additionally, impressive evidence now exists that show that advanced heart disease, relatively advanced cancers of certain types, diabetes and a few other degenerative diseases can be reversed by diet. I remember when my superiors were only reluctantly accepting the evidence of nutrition being able to prevent heart disease, for example, but vehemently denying its ability to reverse such a disease that’s already advanced. But the evidence can no longer be ignored. Those in science or medicine who shut their minds to such an idea are being more than stubborn; they are being irresponsible. ³

The woman I referenced as being “weird,” was a little “different” in the way she approached certain things. But I’m convinced that her approach to a plant based diet was absolutely on point. So, should someone look at me and wonder if my eating beans and nuts for my protein source instead of eggs and meat seems, “off…”

Well, color me “weird” too!

China Study | Part I <- -> China Study | Part III

1. “The China Study”, T. Colin Campbell, PhD, Thomas M. Campbell II, MD, BenBella Books Inc, Dallas TX, p224
2. Ibid, p4
3. Ibid, p16-17

The China Study | Part I

I’m reading a book at the behest of my doctor who’s got me on a plant based diet in order to get my cholesterol levels down which tend run a little high because of my genetics.

The book is “The China Study” by T. Collin Campbell, PhD. It’s named after one of the largest and most comprehensive studies that has ever been done to investigate the connection between diet and disease. The New York Times called it the “Grand Prix of Epidemiology.”

Part of what makes Dr Campbell’s findings so significant is that he grew up on a farm where beef, poultry and eggs were assumed to be healthy and the best source of protein. His earliest research projects were designed to expedite the growth of cows and sheep so they could packaged for market that much quicker which fell right in line with the way he grew up.¹

But then he began coordinating a research project that sought to identify the toxin that was apparently common in the diet of Filipino children that was causing a high prevalence of liver cancer. Initially, the study sought to undergird the efforts to ensure that these children, which were frequently malnourished, be given an adequate amount of protein. It was then he discovered an incontrovertible fact that those who consumed a high protein diet were more likely to contract liver cancer.²

This countered everything he had ever learned, but the data was undeniable. He began his own research project that was later funded by the National Institute of Health, the American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research. 27 years’ worth of research revealed the same thing: In laboratory rats, dietary protein proved to be so powerful in its effect that they could turn on and turn off cancer growth simply by changing the level consumed.³

But that’s not all. We found that not all proteins had this effect. What protein consistently and strongly promoted cancer? Casein, which makes up 87% of cow’s milk protein, promoted all stages of the cancer process. What type of protein did not promote cancer, even at high levels of intake? The safe proteins were from plants, including wheat and soy. As this picture came in to view, it began to challenge and then to shatter some of my most cherished assumptions. ⁴

It’s one thing when you’re reading some subjective commentary from someone that was able to triumph over a chronic disease using an unconventional method. It’s quite another when you’re reading the findings of a group of accomplished scientists who are having to abandon their most cherished beliefs in light of the truths that the data reveals.

I am convinced that there is an untapped resource represented by a healthy diet. And by “healthy,” I mean a diet that focuses on plant based foods.

Feel free to click on the links that I’ve got referenced to learn more but be aware that this isn’t something new. Hippocrates said, “Let food by thy medicine and medicine by thy food.” It’s as fascinating as it is credible and in the end, it’s not just about trying to beat a disease, it’s about being healthy in general.

Bring it!

China Study | Part II

1) “The China Study,” T. Colin Campbell, PhD, with Thomas M. Campbell II, BenBella Books, Dallas TX, 2004, p4

2) Ibid, p5

3) Ibid, p6

4) Ibid, p6

A Name, A Job & a Woman

The first three things that God gave man was:

a name (Gen 2:20)
a job (Gen 2:19)
and a woman (Gen 2:22)

When you listen to two guys introducing themselves to one another for the first time, the first question is, “What’s your name?” The next question is “What do you do?” and, at some point you’re going to learn if they’re married or if they have a girlfriend.

This is how men have been wired by their Creator. Your Men’s Ministry has to speak directly into these three areas. Men want to know how their relationship with Christ can increase their significance, their value and their appeal. If your content doesn’t translate to something that can be processed as a practical and effective way to better themselves in those three areas, your program is acknowledged as a noble exercise rather than a crucial foundation.

Muscular Christianity earns the right to be heard in the context of a fitness program that is as challenging as it is credible. And because it establishes discipleship as its philosophical starting point, participants are able to appreciate the True Muscle represented by a consistent prayer life and diligent Bible study. The end result is a man that is spiritually ripped, physically fit and fully equipped.

To get a copy of the book, click here. For more information about a “Muscular Christianity Six Pack Seminar,” click here.

Drinking Water

You hear that it’s good to drink water…

You hear that it’s good to drink water. It’s easy to gloss over that recommendation as a token admonishment that doesn’t necessarily translate to measurable results – especially when you’re trying to lose some weight. But here are some facts that you may find encouraging, if not motivating, as far as how you can know that you’re making a difference by keeping your body properly hydrated.

It Boosts Your Metabolism

Metabolism is the rate / efficiency at which you’re converting food into fuel. Water is a big part of this process, hence drinking lots of water keeps this chemical reaction functioning at an optimum level. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that drinking water increases metabolic rate by 30 percent.

Cold water keeps your body temperature lower and allows you to workout longer and harder. Your body will also burn a nominal amount of calories to warm up the water to a level that it can used. It’s not especially significant, but it’s another reason to appreciate cold water rather than lukewarm water while you train.

Suppresses Your Appetite

It’s not uncommon for a person to think that they’re hungry when they’re actually thirsty. Drinking a glass of water before reaching for something to eat can help to curb unnecessary snacking. In a 2014 study, 50 overweight females drank 500 milliliters (mL) of water 30 minutes before breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to their regular water consumption, for 8 consecutive weeks.

Burns Fat

The process of metabolizing fat is called “lipolysis.” It’s where water molecules interact with triglycerides to create glycerol and fatty acids. Again, water is a key ingredient and you want to make sure you’re drinking enough.

In Addition…

This is from the editors of Shape.com:

Speaking of essential for life…drinking a good amount of water could lower your risk of a heart attack. A six-year study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people who drank more than five glasses of water a day were 41 percent less likely to die from a heart attack during the study period than those who drank less than two glasses. Bonus: Drinking all that water may reduce cancer risk as well. Research shows that staying hydrated can reduce risk of colon cancer by 45 percent, bladder cancer by 50 percent, and possibly reduce breast cancer risk too.

…and from “Psychology Today”

Our brains depend on proper hydration to function optimally. Brain cells require a delicate balance between water and various elements to operate, and when you lose too much water, that balance is disrupted. Your brain cells lose efficiency.

Bottom Line

There’s a lot of information out there and it’s easy to get lost in the minutiae. But the bottom line is you want to be drinking water to keep your body performing at its best. How much? Our application recommends ten 8 oz glasses a day. That’s a good start! Some resources recommend one ounce for every pound of body weight! That’s a lot of water! Wherever you want to start, start! Make a point of keeping yourself hydrated so you can enjoy the benefits that go along with good health on all fronts.

Bring it!

Katie Newman from saunahelper.com has a great piece on Saunas and how people make the mistake of thinking that they’re losing weight by sitting in a sauna for 20 minutes. You do lose water weight, but you gain it right back the moment you start drinking fluids again. But there’s so much more to it than that and it’s a good read – not just for the way it reinforces the importance of staying hydrated, but also how saunas can be used to help accomplish your fitness goals. Click here to read more!

Break It Down!

Breaking It Down

Several years ago, in an effort to supplement my income, I delivered newspapers. Having been a paperboy in High School, I was expecting something similar and in some ways it was, but in other ways, it was much different.

First of all, you have to be up at 2:00 am in order to be done by 5:00 am. The number of papers you have to deliver is usually a couple hundred which significantly more than I had on my route as a teenager and with that number comes a greater chance of accidentally overlooking someone on your route.

And missing someone is more than just a trivial oversight – especially on a Sunday. Usually the customer you missed would call the office and your Regional Manager would be obligated to take you aside and remind you that 100% accuracy was a priority.

I struggled for the first couple of weeks until I came up with an approach that made a huge difference. Rather than counting my papers at the beginning and hope that I had none left at the end, I broke my route down into a series of “legs.” Each leg would be comprised of 15-20 or so stops. I would set aside the number of papers I would need for that particular part of my route and at the end of that leg, I would make sure I didn’t have anything left over and, if I did, it was much easier to figure out who I had missed. It wasn’t long before that approach had my Regional Manager touting me as one of his standouts and it was all because of the way I was able to break things down.

90 Day Fitness Plan. New Years Resolutions. Big Plans. Great Intentions…

Fitness is the same way.

90 Day Fitness Plan. New Years Resolutions. Big Plans. Great Intentions…

A lot of times, a person will run out of steam or resolve just because they’re starting out with 200 papers and nine times out of ten, there’s something left over or not being done the way that it needs to be and you just get worn out.

Break it down.

Create daily goals and incorporate incentives for yourself – little rewards to keep you motivated. And don’t overlook what might appear to be insignificant gestures. Even something as incremental as drinking an extra bottle of water or going for a walk during one of your breaks where you need to come up for air – those things can make a difference in the long run and they whet your appetite for more ambitious undertakings when you start to notice your clothes fitting a little more comfortably.

Break it down.

Track your steps today. On Wednesday, make a point of drinking 10 glasses of water. Set aside one meal that represents a departure from what might otherwise be something unhealthy. Start with measurable, doable goals and be able to pat yourself on the back for a “leg” having been successfully accomplished. Break it down, get it done and before you know it, what would otherwise be a lingering item on your to do list is actually being accomplished.

Here we go…!

Sugar & Salt | Part Two

It’s Sad

The thing that’s sad about all this is that sugar, salt and fat can combine into some truly tasty combinations.

Right?

And here we are talking about sugar and salt as though they represent these monster ingredients that threaten one’s very life…

Here’s the thing…

While you don’t want to process all of what can translate into a good tasting bowl of joy and good times into something evil, you do want to be aware of what you’re putting into your body so you can prevent what’s designed to be a treat from becoming an unhealthy staple.

Serious.

We talked about sugar in Part One. Now, we’re wrapping it up by talking about Salt, or, more specifically, Sodium.

The Business of Balance

Your body is in the business of constantly seeking to establish a sense of balance. You burn calories, your body signals you that you need some food. You perspire and your body signals that you need some sodium / electrolytes to replace what it uses in the context of keeping your body cool. Eating and drinking is needful in order to stay healthy. The challenge is recognizing the difference between what’s healthy and what’s not. Because of the way the typical American diet is set up, it’s easy to slip into some harmful habits and not even be aware of it. I mean, some of this stuff tastes great, right? But like we discussed in Part One in the context of sugar, you’re not doing yourself any favors if you gloss over the nutritional grenades you’re putting into your system, regardless of how good they taste. And what applies with sugar also applies when it comes to sodium.

With sugar, you’re requiring your pancreas to do some heavy lifting if you’re exceeding what would be considered a healthy amount. This is what leads to Diabetes as well as a physical disposition that makes weight loss more challenging than it should be,

With sodium, the glands that are being taxed are your kidneys which can lead to hypertension which affects your heart. And, depending on the extent to which the arteries leading to your heart are damaged as a result of too much salt, your brain can actually be damaged as well. Here’s how it works…

Your Kidneys

Your kidneys filter as much as 120 quarts of blood every day. Your kidneys are using a process called “osmosis” to pull from your blood extra water and waste products that ultimately exit your body as urine. This process involves a complicated chemical exchange that requires a balance of sodium and potassium to make it happen. Eating too much salt throws this balance out of kilter and can lead to kidney disease. But even without your kidneys being completely compromised, their efficiency is nevertheless diminished and you now have more water in your blood than what your body is comfortable with.

Think of a water hose that’s been hooked up to fire hydrant. Get the picture? That water hose is a good illustration of your arteries which are now being stretched as a result of the increased volume of fluid that comprises your blood flow because of the way your kidneys can’t filter out the extra water. Your arteries respond by becoming stronger and thicker, but this only makes the space inside your arteries smaller which is why you now have less blood flowing to your heart and your brain.

And that’s not good.

So, how much sodium is too much?

How Much is Too Much

The US Food and Drug Administration recommends no more than 2,300 mg of salt per day. That’s one teaspoon. The American Heart Association says no more than 1,500 mg. Now, before we even begin our inventory, know that most dietary sodium comes from eating packaged and prepackaged foods. So, right out of the chute, you can know that it’s not about the salt you’re adding to your food that’s problematic as much as it’s the salt contained within the prepackaged things you’re buying in the grocery store.

The biggest tool that you access to is the “Nutrition Facts” that are on the label of every food item you purchase. As far as the aforementioned “nutritional grenades,” here’s a few items to be aware of:

Pizza: 760 mg

Soy Sauce: 879 mg (1 Tablespoon)

Chick Fil A sandwich: 1350 mg

Soup: 940 mg

One of the greatest burger restaurants on the planet, in my mind, is Red Robin. While a single serving of fries is 224 mg, the “Black and Bleu Burger” delivers a whopping 4,496 mg of sodium! So, in one visit there’s a good chance that you are tripling your sodium intake for one day.

The Difference Between a Treat and a Staple

Now, none of this means that you can never have a burger or a piece of pizza ever again. What it does mean is that you don’t want to establish any of these food items as “standards” in your diet. An occasional treat? Sure! But be careful when you find yourself eating these things consistently.

FYI…

One other word of caution about sports drinks like Gatorade. Gatorade has 450 mg of sodium. That’s close to a third of what the American Heart Associate recommends for the day. In addition, in a 20 oz serving, you’ve got 34 grams of sugar. That’s 3 grams less than what the American Heart Association recommends for a day!

A day!

So, be aware. Gatorade is great when you’re engaged in an hour and a half of intense exercise, but that’s not the kind of drink you want over lunch in the cafeteria.

Sugar & Salt | Part One

There are 39 grams of sugar in a 12 oz can of Coke. That equates to 10 teaspoons or approximately 39 packets of sugar – the kind you use in your coffee.

Pause for a moment and bear in mind that the American Heart Association recommends no more than 37.5 grabs of sugar in a day for guys and 25 grams for women. That means with a single can of Coke, you’re already exceeded what you’re supposed to be consuming for the entire day. Initially, that may seem like a total drag, but here’s the thing…

It’s very possible that if you were to try and eat that amount of sugar all by itself, in the absence of the Phosphoric acid in the soda that makes that sweetness palatable, you would vomit. Your body isn’t engineered to process that much sugar in one sitting. The only reason you can is because of the Phosphoric acid that’s included in the Coke.

In 20 minutes your body will experience an increase in insulin. The problem is that even when your pancreas “floors it,” because of the excess amounts of sugar, your liver’s gotta kick in and when your liver’s involved, you’re usually converting that sugar into fat.

40 minutes later, your body has absorbed the caffeine contained in your soda. Your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, your liver dumps more glycogen (sugar) into your system and the Adenosine receptors in your brain are blocked which prevents drowsiness.

45 minutes later, your body increases Dopamine production which stimulates the pleasure centers in your brain – which is the same effect as Opiates.

60 minutes later, Phosphoric Acid binds Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc in your lower intestine which artificially increases your metabolism but in a way that makes you pee out the vital calcium in your body. That means the calcium that would normally go to your bones and teeth is being eliminated along with sodium, electrolytes and water.

One hour later, you start to experience a sugar crash, leaving you feeling tired, irritable, sluggish and in need of another pick-me-up.

Bottom line: You want to burn more than you consume. That’s how you lose weight. A lot of times, the devil is in the details and you’re unwittingly short circuiting the very processes that you’re engaging by something as seemingly incremental as a couple of Cokes during your day. If nothing else, be aware of how Coke compels your system to respond in a way that isn’t especially healthy and it’s that way with a lot of what’s typical in the American diet in terms of sugar and even salt.

It could make a big difference…

FYI: You can see the above presented in a video format by clicking here, and for another informative article about the exorbitant amount of sugar in the conventional American diet, click here.

What’s the Prize?

You Gotta Push

I maintain that a large part of the reason why many people fail to realize their fitness goals is because they don’t reinforce their resolve with something greater than themselves. I use the illustration of sports and the military to prove that idea by underscoring the way in which both athletes and service personnel will push themselves, not because they’re concerned about their waistline, as much as they are promoting the reputation of the uniform they wear.

Fact is, we have access to the same kind of motivation, but only better in that its influence is not limited to a season or a tour of duty. It’s perpetual and because it works from the inside out, its affect is even more substantial.

Discipleship, as a form of motivation, can be a hard sell because of the way Bible study and prayer are traditionally processed as things that are either reserved for crisis situations or scenarios that are overtly ministerial.

Even by highlighting verses such as 2 Corinthians 9:8 and Colossians 3:17 which show how nothing is untouched or unchanged by the Power and the Grace of God, you’re still leaving your audience hanging unless you can somehow prove that the “prize” referenced by Paul in Philippians 3:14 is just as much of a motivator as a state title or a personal decoration.

Here’s what Paul said to the church in Philippi:

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:14).

An athlete can envision a championship, a soldier can see themselves being decorated, but what kind of an incentive does a believer reach for? What’s the prize?

For What?

In short, the prize is the reward you get for being obedient (1 Cor 9:24-25). But not just obedient in the context of things you do at church. That’s where a lot of folks fail to connect the dots as far as the way in which the “prize” is both practical and profound simultaneously.

Every Time You Get Up to Bat

Scripture is frequently punctuated with admonishments to knock it out of the park every time you get up to bat, no matter what it is that you’re doing (see Prov 16:3; Ecc 9:10; 1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:17; 23). When you’re resolved to reek of excellence in everything that you do, inevitably your work ethic, your performance and your attitude is better than it would be otherwise. Hence, your chances to succeed are far greater. But you’re not only gaining whatever accolades are associated with the successful completion of your goal, you’re also putting some eternal points on the board in that you’re being obedient to God’s command to be “excellent.”

Not Just What You’re Doing, it’s Also How You’re Getting it Done

Bear in mind, though, it’s not just a matter of getting things done. It’s in the way you think (Phil 4:8), in what you say (Ps 19:14) as well as what you do (Col 3:17). The idea is that you’re operating in a way where His Name is being stamped on every aspect of your existence, the end result being the kind of overall quality that inspires both admiration as well as interest in what it is that makes you tick (Matt 5:16).

If your focus is on yourself alone, Scripture says that you’ve received your reward in full and you’re not to expect any kind of eternal prize points (Matt 6:2). There’s more to being obedient than simply being passionate in what you do. But that shouldn’t resonate as a burden. Rather, being humble (Lk 14:10; Phil 2:3-4) and gracious (1 Thess 5:16-18) is just another plus being observed by those on the outside looking in. Regardless of how you look at it, being obedient to what your King commands results in nothing but good things both here in this life and the one in the hereafter.

Do you see where this is going?

Paul uses the illustration of a crown in 1 Corinthians 9:25 to illustrate the kind of trophy that awaits us when we cross the finish line up in heaven. That crown is the sum total of the eternal accolades attached to every earthly goal, task, gesture or trophy that was won or accomplished as a result of being obedient. That same crown, unlike the rewards that fade in this life, will never lose their significance or their luster. And that’s why Paul positioned his goals the way he did: By lining them up as a series of rungs in a ladder leading to his true and final Accolade, he stayed motivated, and energized resulting in his being able to accomplish more than he would’ve otherwise.

You’re not “using” God, you’re “choosing” God. It’s not your agenda, it’s His Agenda as He manifests it through your ambitions and preferences (Jn 4:34; Phil 2:13). Are you accomplishing your goals? Yes! Are you maintaining a healthy set of priorities as you’re getting it done? Yes! Are you enjoying the thrill of achieving your goals? You better believe it! Are you making your King look good in the way you’re working and the results you’re producing?

Yeah, you are!

Getting it Done

In terms of strength, significance and success, there is no life greater than the one God offers in exchange for your obedience (Jer 29:11; Rom 12:2). To live out that Reality, simply maintain a constant line of communication with your King and let the thought of His Signature of Purpose being fixed to every waking moment of your life inspire you to be and do more.

Don’t just try. Win!

You’re constantly confronted with a version of yourself that’s inclined to make mistakes and concessions. Instead of “trying” to defeat that beast, win (Eph 6:12)! Keep your eyes on the finish line and the pat on the back that’s coming from your God when it’s all said and done (Rev 20:12). Reinforce your resolve and keep your brain free of obstructions with a steady diet of Scripture and frequent conversations with your King.

That’s why you read your Bible and that’s why you pray (2 Tim 3:16-17; Jas 1:5). It’s not just for the sake of being moral or being kind. That’s the shallow end of the pool! You want to get in over your head and apply God’s Word, His Power and His Perspective in everything you do so the end result is an accomplished goal, an admirable character and an eternal blue ribbon.

That’s the prize!

Get it done!

Taking the Chore Out of Church and the Failure Out of Fitness

Many people wind up pursuing their fitness goals rather than realizing them. And the reason they fall short is usually one or a combination of the following…

Fitness is important, but it’s not necessarily a priority
You can participate without being engaged
You have to be consistent in order to see any real results

Fitness is a multi-billion dollar industry. The “idea” of being fit is an appealing thought. It’s not difficult at all to market the thought of a more healthier you. But it’s a process that’s not always convenient and requires a substantial investment of time and effort. Consequently, a lot of gym memberships go unused and a myriad of like-new fitness equipment show up in garage sales.

Why is it that some have enthusiastically adopted a lifestyle characterized by healthy eating and consistent trips to the gym, where others are constantly chastising themselves every time they look at their reflection in the mirror?

The reason is really very simple and it’s represented by a one word question…

“Why?”

Why are you working out? Why are you making the effort to eat healthy…?

Before you allow yourself to think that the answer is as easy as it is obvious, bear in mind that if your response is nothing more than a series of self-gratifying resolutions, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Here’s why…

If the principal reason for your decision to get in shape is to simply look better or feel better or perform better, you’ve built your resolve on a premise constructed exclusively on a desire to gratify yourself. Sure, wanting to be healthy is a good reason to get in shape. And wanting to look better and feel better isn’t necessarily “selfish.” But, there is nevertheless an element of self-gratification present and that’s why it’s not uncommon to be confronted with something that’s legitimately inconvenient and your subconscious responds with a willingness to make some compromises because, after all, it’s a lot easier to gratify yourself by staying in bed a little bit longer than it is to get up extra early to workout.

Do you see why your philosophical foundation is so important?

And what makes this so significant is the way in which this applies to any kind of discipline.

You want to be able to establish the reason for whatever it is you’re getting ready to do as something that goes beyond yourself and what’s immediately in front of you. Sometimes, that’s enough. But when you’re looking at an extended period of sacrifice and restraint, you want to have a resolve founded on something that addresses the Present, the Practical and the Profound.

The Present

Here’s where your initial response can be categorized: I want to look better, I want to feel better, I want to perform better. You’ve got some weight you can lose, you want to build some muscle. The “present” is the mirror and the reflection that inspires you to take some action.

The Practical

Fitness isn’t just your appearance, it’s your overall health. From a practical standpoint, you want to be active in order to be healthy and enjoy a lifestyle that isn’t limited by obesity or physical frailty.

The Profound

Here’s where you’re getting the biggest band for your buck!

Bear in mind that although we’re focusing on physical fitness, what we’re getting ready to discuss applies to virtually everything that requires some kind of effort in order to improve.

Relationships require time and effort in order for them to grow. Any kind of professional skill that you have typically requires some kind of education and ongoing training. To be fit, to be godly, to be marketable, to be emotionally healthy – all of what constitutes those things that are truly important in life – mandate a substantial investment of mental and physical capital in order for them to resonate as healthy and productive. In other words, you need to be disciplined in order to ensure your priorities are what they need to be and you’re not just going through the motions in both establishing those priorities and engaging in those behaviors that honor those priorities.

While discipline is not a new concept, there is something that is often overlooked as far as what drives the manner in which it is deployed. You can show up and yet never really be present. You can exercise and not ever train. You can listen to a sermon and never really hear it. You can be at work and still be miles away and you can be talking to someone and yet be thinking of something else.

The legitimacy of your priorities is defined not just by what you do, but in the way you do it. And if your manner is going to resonate as both consistent and passionate, then your inspiration has to be

Burn to Learn. Crave to Train. Desire to Perspire.

The way in which you construct the philosophical foundation upon which you base your priorities has to go beyond what resonates as nothing more than a noble chore. You have to pop the hood on what it you’re doing and be able to respond to the inconvenience and the sacrifice that threaten to compromise your resolve with the Truth and the Substance of the Result you’re pursuing.

How do you do that?

It goes back to the question that was referred to earlier…

Why?

Why are you exercising? Why do you diet? Why are you going to school? Why are you taking online courses? Why are you doing the dishes? What is it that results from the sacrifice you’re making and is it worth your time?

The Present, The Practical and The Profound

When you workout, you’re not just exercising your muscles. You’re burning calories, you’re building muscle and you’re feeling accomplished. Beyond that, you’re positioning yourself in a way where you can be active, you can look your best and be a good example. In the most profound way, you’re being a good steward of the body God has given you and you’re avoiding the tangled ball of nonsense that is the sin of gluttony. You’re not just working out because you want to look better, feel better and perform better. You’re not just trying to gratify yourself. You’ve got a paradigm in place that includes elements that go beyond you and you alone.

The way in which you answer that question will define the degree of passion and resolve with which you engage your King and pursue your fitness goals.

What do you get out of going to church?

If it’s nothing more than just a remedy for what would otherwise be a guilty conscience, while you’re doing well to show up, you’re missing the package of practical perks that God offers every time you engage Him either in the context of doing something on His behalf or taking some time out to fill your head with the Truth of all that He is and all that He brings to the table.

Why do you workout?

If you’re simply trying to improve your appearance, then you’re subconsciously laboring to gratify yourself. Granted, there’s more to it than that, but if that element is prominent, the first time you’re confronted with any real inconvenience or the moment you’re having to make a legitimate sacrifice, your brain starts doing the philosophical math and is able to calculate that you can gratify yourself a lot easier by getting some extra sleep or having a little more to eat than getting up early and going to the gym.

And what’s really significant about all this is that we all have the ability to truly live or merely exist. If we’re not careful, out lives become defined by our bank statements and our calendars. While we can appreciate the advantages represented by being “spiritual” or the benefits of being healthy, we’re inclined to process them as chores and obligations and as a result, we blow right past the symphony that God intended our lives to be and instead settle for the white noise of goalposts that never stop moving.

Head out to the “Muscular Christianity” facebook page and “like” it to get daily tips on how to take the chore out of church and the failure out of fitness!

Bring it!