pursuing spiritual health

Chris, prior to his current diet.

I’m a tad overweight. I mean, 320 lbs is fat by anyone’s standards.

Yet this fat preacher has lost an estimated 12 pounds in the last two-plus weeks. “Estimated” because I really don’t know where I started due to the fact I never weigh myself. (And no, I’m not really 320—it just sounded funny to me.)

Even though I feel better, look better and have lost a notch in my belt, it’s still a bit frustrating. You see, all I eat each day is a protein shake, chicken soup, some saltines and a small fruit salad. While that may seem like a lot to you, in my view I’m virtually starving myself.

Translated: “What’s the deal? Why haven’t I lost twice that much considering what I’m eating (or not eating)?”

Not that I’m angry or bitter about it…

And in case you’re wondering, yes, I’m hungry. In fact, I’m hungry every waking minute and can’t wait until I get to slam down yet another bowl of—gag!—chicken soup.

Will I stay on this diet forever? Heavens no. But ever since the flu ravaged my body I’ve been on a roll and decided to go with what works. God willing, hopefully I’ll get the flu again so I can lose weight faster.

Why do I share all this? It seems like a good time to remind all of us that as important as watching what we eat and getting enough exercise can be, our spiritual health is more important.

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”1

I don’t know about you, but these verses challenge me because I spend a lot of time watching what I eat and exercising. While those are good things, the better thing is training myself to be godly.

In terms of application, how much time did you spend yesterday thinking about eating, preparing to eat and actually feeding yourself? And how much time did you spend on the treadmill, exercise bike or at the gym?

Now ask yourself how much time you spent reading your Bible, meditating on the things of God and praying.

As you compare the two numbers, which is higher? If you’re like me, I regularly spend more time on my physical health than my spiritual health.

Does that mean we’re somehow disobedient or ignoring our spiritual health? Of course not. Taking care of our physical bodies is a good thing. That said, what we discover may be just the reminder we need not to neglect our spiritual health at the expense of our physical health.

How does this apply to me? Not sure yet, but maybe I’ll read the Bible a little while I gulp down my next bowl of chicken soup. That way I’ll enrich myself spiritually and improve my physical health.

How does it apply to you? Only you (and the Lord) know the answer to that.

“Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things.”

1  1 Timothy 4:7-8

glorify yourself in their ailments, lord

Heavenly Father,

 We pray today for all those who are struggling with health problems.

May you see their physical and emotional needs and come to their aide.

Give them wisdom to know what to do, as well as what not to do.

Give them peace in the midst of their pain and turmoil.

Most of all, may they bask in the knowledge that you,
the Creator of the universe, love them and is ministering to them.

Please also minister to those family members and friends who may be caring for them.

Give them patience, energy and a steadfast spirit.

Give them the grace to be a blessing to their loved one and not a burden.

Most of all, may they bask in the knowledge that you,
the Creator of the universe, love them and are empowering them.

May you be their rock and salvation, their stronghold and their deliverer.

May you glorify your holy and precious name as you act on their behalf.

May your will be done, as it is in heaven.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”1

1  Ephesians 3:20-21

thank you, jesus

The look on the man’s face was hilarious when he saw us driving his car. The look of shock on our faces must have been hilarious as well, since we were driving it without his permission or knowledge.

Since our M.O. was to steal cars and then return them to their rightful owners later the same night, we rounded the corner laughing once again at the brilliance of our strategy: Find cars in open garages with keys in the ignition, put them in neutral, roll them silently down the driveway, then start them up and drive off for a night of joyriding.

In fact, this had been the third time we had taken this poor sap’s car, used up all his gas, abused the car and then brought it back.

But we stopped laughing when we arrived back at the house and saw the owner of the car standing on his front lawn talking to neighbors and gesturing towards an empty garage. Apparently he had discovered his car was missing.

And now there it was, with two wild-eyed teenagers driving it in their direction.

Naturally I ducked so he couldn’t see my face—that was good, since the man knew me and my family well. But my friend who was driving didn’t have that luxury—there’s no ducking when you’re at the wheel. Fortunately he was a quick thinker and whipped the wheel abruptly to the right and drove across a neighbor’s lawn to get away.

Our conversation as we fled the subdivision to ditch the car was a bit odd. We alternated between, “Oh $#%&*!” and bursts of nervous laughter at what had just happened.

In case you're interested, that was the last time I ever went joyriding.

Whenever I remember how we would steal cars back then I confess to smiling just a little bit, remembering how stupid I used to be.

Mostly, however, I cringe. A lot. Especially since I’m pastor boy now, someone who’s supposed to set a godly example for others. In fact, this is the first time I’ve ever shared this with someone other than very close friends.

Sorry mom—a thousand pardons.

Why am I sharing my dirty laundry today? Because it reminds me yet again that when I placed my faith in Christ and started following Him, God forgave me. As in all my sins. And yes, that includes all those times when I participated in grand theft auto.

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned.”1

So what’s in your past? Maybe even your recent past?

Embarrassed? Ashamed? Wish you had never done it?

Get in line—that’s the experience of all of us. But here’s the good news: If you’re a follower of Christ you’re forgiven.

It’s okay to be embarrassed, and it’s okay to be ashamed. And it’s good that you wish you had never done it.

But please don’t forget something very important: Because of your faith in Jesus it’s forgiven and will never be held against you.

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned.”

Thank you, Jesus.

1  John 3:18

just chillin'

It’s amazing what lying on the floor in front of the picture window at home can do for my mood, especially when it’s sunny outside.

Throw in a pillow from the couch, a Sudoku puzzle and two cats craving attention and I’m in heaven. It’s a feast for the senses.

My eyes are drawn to the empty corn field across the street, allowing the mind to wander wherever it wants to go. The ears are filled with the wonderful sound of purring. And the belly of a cat is softer than soft.

When’s the last time you just hung out with the TV turned off, the i-pod in the other room, and the cell phone muted?

When’s the last time you just sat and looked out the window, watching the world go by?

When’s the last time you just enjoyed the simple pleasures of life?

If it’s been awhile I encourage you to make the time in the near future. How you do it and what you do (or don’t do) may differ than me, but the goal is simplicity. The goal is slooooowing down. The goal is inner peace.

Just chill.

“The LORD blesses his people with peace.”1

1  Psalm 29:11b

praise the lord

After several days of spiritually and physically exhausting days I was eager—no, desperate—for God to minister to my soul.

So I opened my Bible to Psalms and found what the Lord wanted me to find.

“Praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD, O my soul.

I will praise the LORD all my life;

I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.

When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;

on that very day their plans come to nothing.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,

the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them--

the LORD, who remains faithful forever.

He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.

The LORD sets prisoners free,

the LORD gives sight to the blind,

the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,

the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow,

but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the LORD.”1

I read it a second time. And a third time. And yes, one more time.

Each reading I saw the same thing: The faithfulness of God.

The Lord…

• upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry
• sets prisoners free
• gives sight to the blind
• lifts up those who are bowed down
• loves the righteous
• watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow

My soul gobbled up the message, for it knew who had come to my rescue in recent days, who had pulled me through. My soul soaked it up like a sponge mopping up a spill.

God is faithful. He had just proven it in and through me.

Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord oh my soul.

1  Psalm 146

i'm not laughing

Okay, am back (I think) after an illness that prevented me from writing this week. Really knocked me off my game, but am feeling more like myself as each day passes. I can’t believe I didn’t even know who won the Super Bowl until Tuesday morning—yow!

Truth be told, don’t feel much like writing today, nor being encouraging. Still trying to shake the cobwebs loose. Which makes me better appreciate Snapple bottle cap’s “Real Fact” #831:

“Six-year-olds laugh an average of 300 times a day. Adults only laugh 15-100 times a day.”

I haven’t laughed 15 times this week, much less a day. But then, I have an excuse. I was really out of it and probably couldn’t have told you my name for awhile.

What about you? What’s your excuse?

Do yourself a favor and laugh today. And while you’re at it, will you chuckle a time or two for me too?

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”1

1   Job 8:21

the walk

A dilapidated barn, a creek and a corn field. My imaginary friend and I had a great time exploring on our walk today.

Wanting company this morning but with no one to be found, I just pretended. It wasn’t as good as the real thing of course, but hey, what’s a guy to do? My friend may not say much—in truth, nothing—but we still had a blast.

I had walked down my street a million times before, but this time decided to check out the creek running through the corn field. It was absolutely wonderful. We found a log right next to the water and sat down. A little cold on the backside, but well worth it.

And there we sat, me and my imaginary friend. Listening to the water. Admiring the ice sculptures all around us. And checking out the animal tracks leading up to and away from the water.

Seven years of living in this area and I had never had the nerve to explore this area before. But with the land now for sale, it seemed like a good idea. If someone decided to challenge me, I had  my story down pat: “I’m a potential buyer and checking things out. I may not look like I can afford a piece of property this size, but I actually have millions.”

Fortunately I was never challenged. Thus, I never had to repent for telling a fib.

My friend wanted to walk in the corn field, so we did. Even though it was covered with ice, it was surprisingly easy to walk on. For some reason my friend really enjoyed that part of our exploration more than everything else. Something about bringing back childhood memories…

The horizon in every direction seemed miles and miles away. And the sun’s reflection on the ice-covered ground filled our eyes with the glory of our great God’s creation. Who would have thought that a simple corn field could provide such a spiritual high?

Even though my friend was reluctant, we decided to explore an old barn at one end of the field. The roof looked like it would collapse at any moment and the floor (such as it was) was filled with gigantic holes, but in we went.

We wondered how many people had sat in the overturned and rust-covered chair in the corner. And even though we were both curious to see if anything was in the ratty-looking chest of drawers against the far wall, neither of us had the nerve to look inside. Who knows what yucky stuff  lurks inside.

Once outside, my friend seemed more at ease as we strolled leisurely at the edge of the corn field where it butts up against the creek. If we had brought a camera, we’d probably still be there. It was a photographer’s delight.

But, alas, we finally decided it was time to head back. My friend offered me a piece of chocolate for the long walk home, but when I saw it had nuts, I politely declined. Don’t much like them. A smile told me that was just fine, because then my friend wouldn’t have to share.

While a piece of chocolate (sans nuts) would have hit the spot, I didn’t let the disappointment spoil the experience. It had been one of the more memorable walks in quite some time.

A dilapidated barn, a creek and a corn field. And all on my own street. Sweet.

Gee…I wonder where my imaginary friend and I are going tomorrow morning?

But this time—please—no nuts.

“He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth.'”1

1  Job 37:6

representing christ

Chris, after being stuck at home a few
days due to ice and snow.

The bank teller was very kind and didn’t let on that I looked like I’d been living in a cave for awhile. I was—ahem—a bit unkempt.

But hey, like many of us I’ve been stuck at home the past few days due to ice and snow. And since personal hygiene isn’t a high priority for me during these times, I wasn’t as dapper as usual.

As I left the bank lobby I cringed at the reflection of my sorry self in the glass door. Yow!

“Oh well,” I thought, “the teller doesn’t know me from Adam. I’m just a guy to her. No harm done.”

Then it occurred to me: I had just deposited a couple of checks issued from my church. Translated, the bank teller knew I was a follower of Christ. And here I was looking like something out of “Redneck America.”

At that moment I remembered—for the umpteenth time—that like it or not I represent Christ to the world. And my witness earlier today was not my best effort. Yes I was kind and friendly, but my physical appearance left a lot to be desired.

How about you? If you’re a Christian, are you aware that unbelievers will in part judge Christ based on interactions with you? Are you kind? Are you honest? Are you friendly?

And yes, do you look as if personal hygiene is important to you?

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”1

Unfortunately, while I was prepared to share Christ in terms of knowledge, willingness and presentation, my outside packaging was a little rough around the edges. And that’s putting it mildly.

Moral of the story? Next time I’ll spend a little more time on my physical appearance. After all, I’m Christ to a Christ-less world.

And so are you.

1  1 Peter 3:15