I noticed that this group has its own forum, so I thought I'd use it to post a brewing issue that I'm going through. I've been thinking about it quite a bit lately, especially as I'm on an endeavor to gain some weight and muscle mass.

How do we balance the desire to take care of of our physical bodies and gain that perfect physique and maintain a healthy, spiritual relationship with God?

It seems like, to me, the more energy, time, and resources I put into my physical body, the less I put into my spiritual well-being. Maybe I'm just doing it all wrong, but how does a person make time gaining that "perfect" physique while also trying to maintain a real, perfect relationship with God the Creator. Don't get me wrong, I think there are plenty of implications from God's Word that we should take care of our bodies, but it just seems like our society, in general, is obsessed (and I include myself in here, too) with trying to reach the perfect form.

Specifically, here are some of the ideas I'm wrestling with.

1. If God made us the way we are, why are we all trying to change that? Are we saying that God has created a flaw?

2. What would God say about the use of supplements and all kinds of "boosters" to help us gain our physique goals?

3. Solomon never once asked for anything material. He asked God for wisdom. But because of that, God rewarded him with many material goods. Could the same be true of us today? Granted, we're not kings, but if we chose to have a closer walk with God, would He then bless our bodies the same?

4. I believe that we should take care of all of God's creation, including our own physical health. But how far should we take it? When does it become an idol of worship, which then detracts us from our relationship with God?

Any thoughts would be helpful. I hope that all of you have a very blessed day.
Nate

I think all of us have struggled in this area and ask the same questions. In my opinion if you continue to ask then you probably have not stumbled into idolatry. Below are my opinions to your questions.

I am also a firm believer in the fact that we need balance in our lives; spiritually, physically and mentally. Life seems to flow more easily for me when I balance the areas of faith, family, work, working out. Putting things in perspective, we all spend a lot more of our waking hours at work than anywhere else. Unless we are in full time ministry (actually we all are), then we may not have balance.

1. If God made us the way we are, why are we all trying to change that? Are we saying that God has created a flaw?

God did create us but He also created the potential in each of us; we are just trying to reach that potential. We should each talk to Him regarding the time and energy spent in that pursuit.

2. What would God say about the use of supplements and all kinds of "boosters" to help us gain our physique goals?

Most supplements contain natural ingredients that one individual or another worked to put together. God created it and one of those He created and gave wisdom, put it together. It is helping to build us and not tear us down. There are some that have been abused, obviously, that begin to tear our bodies down, so we should watch these.

3. Solomon never once asked for anything material. He asked God for wisdom. But because of that, God rewarded him with many material goods. Could the same be true of us today? Granted, we're not kings, but if we chose to have a closer walk with God, would He then bless our bodies the same?

This will be the toughest question. Because of the fall, our bodies grow to a certain point, hit some sort of stationary phase, and then start to degrade. I often equate my pursuit of health as a parallel to my spiritual growth. We were lost spiritually, we finally saw that we were lost, we decided to make a change and we gave our lives to Him; and now daily pursue a healthy relationship with Him. Physically, we were fat and out of shape, we saw that we were fat and out of shape, we decided to make a change and pursue taking our bodies under control and now pursue the healthy lifestyle. There is plenty of knowledge out there of how to stay in shape, we use wisdom to apply that knowledge in diet and exercise.

4. I believe that we should take care of all of God's creation, including our own physical health. But how far should we take it? When does it become an idol of worship, which then detracts us from our relationship with God?

If we look at the balanced lives, there are a plethora of activities that can drain our time that we spend with the Lord; family, work, recreation, working out, even time at church or in ministry, etc. There are times and places for each of these, we need to seek Him and partition our time according to His direction. I am assuming that you are not leaving Him at the door when you enter the gym.

God will tell you when you have stepped past that point of a healthy lifestyle to idolatry. When we met Jesus there was a change in priorities; when we jump into the healthy lifestyle we also must change our priorities. What things can you put your finger on that you will need to let go to keep it in balance?

I hope that all of my rambling gives some perspective.

In His Love,

Brady

Great Questions! Here's what I believe:


1. God is a God of progress, he doesn't just make a man, he makes a baby which grows. He makes seeds which grow into trees. He instills within us a potential which I believe he admires that we strive to achieve. I believe God gives us a journey and adventure to live. Now all this being said, we should always ensure that God stays first in our lives. He should get the majority of our time, energy and thoughts. I heard a pastor once say "before i seek the face of man, i will seek the face of God" i try to have a quiet time with Him in the mornings to show He comes first.

2. What would God say about the use of supplements and all kinds of "boosters" to help us gain our physique goals? I agree with what is stated before me. As long as it is beneficial and we use it to Glorify Him.

3. I believe God does bless those more who put their walk with Him first and foremost. God gives those the desires of their hearts, but that is only if God is placed as the number one desire above all else, if that is the case, he will take care of everything else, thats why he says "cast all your cares upon me." Solomon also was one of the smartest men to ever lived, he knew all was vanity, nothing material could satisfy, not even the 700 wives he had. He knew the only thing of value was wisdom, but he knew wisdom eluded him.

4. I believe that we should take care of all of God's creation, including our own physical health. But how far should we take it? When does it become an idol of worship, which then detracts us from our relationship with God? It becomes an idol when you seek it more than you seek God. Like you said when it detracts from God. So measure how much you are seeking your own gratification compared to the effort you are giving God. If you know God is being put first in your life, and you are spending more time and energy in your pursuit of him, then enjoy your other pursuits as well! God gave you passions for a reason, and i believe heavily that our physical nature reveals God to us as well.

Great forum and great questions! Answerd very well! Lets keep this one going! God is for us! I have spoken of the same issues in my blog! :)

Great questions and great answers. However, I think there is another question and one I believe most of us are afraid to bring up (at least this is a big one for me). When does the desire for fitness become vanity? From what I observe, there are a lot of very fetching pictures amongst us even in this room. I don't need to think too far about the motives behind some of the provocative poses and the nearly naked pics. Sorry folks, I know I'm stepping on some toes, but what are we witnessing here?

Folks, I admit that I desire looking fit and wanting to turn heads. I laugh at myself for taking shirtless pics and staring at the mirror to find some significant change in my bod. I often ask, "God, why am I doing this?" Am I really doing this for health reasons, to glorify God? Not really. I just want to look good to others and feel good about it. I know that's flawed thinking and hoping to get past that.

Folks, as one said here, "measure how much you are seeking your own gratification compared to the effort you are giving God". Also, be more discerning about the pictures you post here. Instead, glorify God by being nice Christian people who wear dark loose clothing. OK, the previous sentence is a joke, but I hope you get the point.

hi guys ...here,s some food for thought
first off "whatever" is not of faith is sin! no grey areas there ,i always ask my father that i dont put my body building before him
2/is it ok to restore an old car,landscape your yard or remodel a perfectly good house ? then whats the issue with improving an already good body and bringing it up a notch ?
3/ its all vanity .acknowledge God in all that you do and he will guide your paths ....
personally i believe God allows me to workout as a gift ,dosent his word say he will grant you your hearts desires ?as long as they dont draw you away from him ?
no effort =jabba the hut. how does that look as a witness ?
Jesus first and trust you Heavenly Father and work it out as you go .
those are my thoughts and my reasons as take this journey.
as far as photo,s go ....not my problem as to the motives of the poster only responsible as to how i receive them .if you have a problem with fleshly urges this is an overall bad site .

What a great conversation.I really appreciate it. I believe God calls everyone to different opportunities and challenges. And even in ministry vanity gets to be a big issue. body building is no different than preaching in my book. I regularly get vain about one thing or another. My salvation is won for me -- that's not a worry. I am in a place where I need to enjoy life more and enjoy myself more. Nothing wrong with overcoming shame with self care and building up the body! We are always in danger of falling off one side or another. By the grace of God, I am who I am, sinner saint, and God's grace towards me was not in vain! And I give God the glory not for my accomplishments, but for his abundance and grace! Balance is elusive, an ever moving target. Thanks all. You are loved. Gary

Great comments by all, like gary said nothing wrong with overcoming shame with self care. Balance is the key, some people are vain about the car they drive, the promotion they have at the place they work in, i tend to think vanity is greatly thought of as the physical appearance of someone and people who have the hobby of improving physically are judged more harshly for it. How many stereotypes are there of the "dumb meathead"? But is it any more different or "worse" than the one who strives to excel in business or financially or maybe the glutton coach potato? Its easy to fall into temptation with anything, that is for sure, but everyones struggles are different. As Christians we do need to represent the best we can, because we may not know what other people struggle with, so we don't want to bring them down, I wouldn't drink a beer with a guy who has a alchohol problem.

I'm personally too y oung to have been through most the trails you guys have, but from my personal experience I've come up with a few answers, although they are of personal relevance and not scripture related.

If god created our bodies to be able to grow, than why we would we limit that ability to grow, rather if he gave us the function to build, repair, and grow stronger.. that perfect combination i'd think wouldn't of been an accident. Rather he wants us to exceed our bodies limits, because everyone can honestly say the effort you put into training your body morally, physically, mentally, spiritually.. does nothing but make you feel good about yourself. The balance of the training is where priorities go into play and i think the problem lies. I like training myself Mentally, Physically, and Morally. I don't follow the lord like I should, but I will not wonder from my morals taught threw him. So balance act is easier for me, but I believe to balance anything out, just takes some thinking and patience.

Just some personal junk, hope it may have helped.

Thjat seems to be the most important question. We can not allow our self to ever provide more insight into our life than our relationship with christ. For me I struggle everyday to balance work getting my health back both menatlly and physically as well as raising two kids who are now products of a broken home. The only way i know is to take as much time as i put into my physical growth as i do my spiritual growth. If i am in the gym and hour then im in my bible for a hour. I try to meditate daily on the things that are spiritual because the lord is my strenght and without him we are nothing.

just a personal rambling don't know if it helps

adam