Bringing Your Physical Life Into Focus - Day 2

Today's devotional comes from the Life Development Sermon Series at Lifechurch.tv by Craig Groeshel.

“No one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church, for we are members of His body.” Ephesians 5:29-30


As Christ cares for His body, the church, He also wants us to care for our own body, the temple of the Holy Spirit. Most Americans know the value of exercise, but they’re unwilling to build this
discipline into their lives. 87% of Americans own running shoes but don’t run. Robert Hutchens said, “Whenever I feel like exercising, I lie down until the feeling passes.”

A retired couple decided they should walk two miles a day to stay in shape. They chose to walk a mile on a lonely country road so they’d have no choice but to walk back. At the one-mile mark on their first outing, the man asked his wife, “So, do you think we can make it back all right, or are you too tired?” “Oh no,” she said, “I’m not tired. I can make it fi ne.” “Good,” he replied, “I’ll wait here. You go back, get the car, and come pick me up.”

Many people have good intentions…but poor follow-through! Follow-through is critical if you’re ever going to enjoy some of the long-term results. Some truly great physical and psychological “side effects” are among the many benefits of regular exercise:

• Lower blood pressure
• Lower cholesterol
• Decreased blood sugar, and lower incidence of diabetes
• Decreased risk of stroke and heart disease
• Improved sense of well-being
• Increased emotional stamina
• Healthy sleep patterns

At a recent visit to have my teeth cleaned, my dental hygienist was harassing me for not flossing enough. She asked me if I worked out, and I said, “Yes.” She explained to me that because I have developed the discipline of exercise, I should be a candidate for success in every area of my life, including dental hygiene. At first I didn’t understand the significance of what she was saying, but she explained to me that in the field of dentistry, it’s been proven that people who don’t exercise
regularly generally don’t floss either. It seems that the one discipline of regular exercise is indicative of beneficial disciplines in other areas of life. It has crossover power—this one good habit can lead to other good habits!

Maybe going to the big gym is intimidating to you. No problem. Other great, simple forms of exercise include walking, swimming, running, jogging, climbing stairs, stationary bicycling, outdoor bike riding, dancing, ice or roller skating, aerobics, or my wife’s favorite—chasing kids around the house. Unfortunately, the only kind of exercise some get is beating around the bush, jumping to conclusions, dragging their heels, pushing their luck, and tooting their own horn.

For me the two most important ingredients of exercise are as follows:
- Consistency. So many people have good intentions. They start strong but quickly fade. Whatever you do, find a form of exercise you enjoy, so you can be consistent. Shoot for three or four times a week of consistent exercise.
- Accountability. I have a workout partner. If I weren’t meeting him at the gym, I’d be tempted to skip and do something else. Many people who can afford it hire a personal trainer. Not only does a trainer help by physically being there, but your financial investment causes you to associate your exercise with an actual dollar value: If you don’t go, your money’s wasted.

Many people say they just don’t have time to exercise. You have time to do what you choose to do. A few years ago when I hired a new assistant, Sarah, I told her one of the most important things about her job was to help me to maintain my priorities. One priority I guard with everything I have in me is family time. She helps me arrange my schedule so that I can have lots of time with my kids.

Although it surprises people that I place it as one of my top priorities, regular exercise helps me feel better by reducing stress and, as Sarah knows, putting me in a much better mood. Knowing that, together we arrange my schedule for the week and guard at least three hours a week for intense exercise. If it’s a priority in your life, you can find the time to do it. Early in the morning, on your lunch break, immediately after work—carve out the time and cut out something else if you have to. Make it a priority!

Next Steps for Today:

• If you already have an exercise routine, commit it to paper and track your progress. Are you as consistent as you need to be? Do you need to make changes to relieve boredom or to improve your training routines?
• If you don’t already have a routine, make a list of exercise opportunities that would fi t your interest and lifestyle. Remember, it will be difficult to be consistent with something you don’t enjoy! Narrow your list to several favorites, and choose one to begin this week.
• Enlist an exercise partner—a family member or friend with similar interests and schedule—to add an element of fun and accountability. Meet this week to exercise.

Prayer for Today:
Lord, we thank You and praise You for creating us as incredible human machines. Help us wisely use our resources of time, health, and physical ability to take care of what You’ve given us. Please give us the desire to become healthier, and grant us the time and discipline to lace up our running shoes and head out the door.