"Gym" and diet (2)

Saturday 8 May 2021

"Gym" and diet (2)

Every athlete imposes all kinds of deprivations (diets) on himself, and they do it to obtain a crown that will destroy itself; but we are for an indestructible crown 1 Corinthians 9:25

Using the comparison to sports and circus games, which the Romans were very fond of, the apostle Paul shows that diet and exercise go hand in hand for a Christian to lead a life worthy of the name he bears.

Today, scientific researchers all agree on one principle : diet and exercise are necessary to control muscle mass, perform well and stay healthy. Multiple studies have shown this. But this is not a discovery ! Paul knew this and applied this principle in the spiritual realm.

The champion voluntarily deprives himself of certain foods that are not good for him, in order to take in others that will provide him with the necessary energy and nutrients. He submits to a diet - not only in the food field - he masters himself in everything, he regulates his life.

Likewise, the Christian must follow a proper diet. He seeks to eliminate anything that could slow his run and to strengthen himself by eating properly. He makes choices of companies, readings, films, conversations... because not everything is healthy and conducive to his spiritual life. Above all, it feeds on the Word of God.

The life of an athlete for Christ is not easy. At the end of his life, the apostle Paul, who enslaved his body so as not to be disqualified after preaching the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:27), said : I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I kept the faith. From now on, the crown of justice is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous judge, will deliver it to me that day, and not only to me, but also to all who lovingly awaited its coming (2 Timothy 4: 7,8). Paul leaves the stadium victorious. The Lord, the just judge, the supreme arbiter, will bestow upon him the prize of victory, the crown of righteousness.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)