Men seem to be obsessed with strength.
From health magazines to action figures, muscle is often the measure of a man. We want to “appear” strong even if we are not. Among many men weakness is a source of shame and never admitted.
But strength needs to be renewed and the Christian man understands that true strength is spiritual.
We need to renew our emotional, spiritual and physical strength.
Renewal is one reason to observe the principle of the Sabbath. I’m not talking about worshipping on Saturday but having one day during the week for rest.
This day of rest isn’t simply about sleep, but worshipping God and enjoying healthy recreation. Consecrating a day (or a solid block of hours) for rest helps us to lead balanced lives.
A balanced life honors God. It keeps us from becoming workaholics, forces us to slow down to make sure our priorities are in the right order.
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| I find rest and renwal being with my family and seeing them smile. |
The Sabbath Principle helps us to keep Christ at the center and to rely on the strength of God.
I include three other key areas for a man’s strength:
Regular exercise: You need to spend energy in order to stay energized.
A man’s diet (including fasting): Jesus expected us to fast. It is also very important to have healthy eating habits.
Simplicity: Overspending and debt create stress. We can give to church and charity and still be slaves to materialism. Learn to live a simple life so you’ll be stress free and free to be generous.
These first two parts of “The Framework for a Chosen Lifestyle", a man’s heart and strength, is the foundation for who we are in spirit, mind and body.
What are your thoughts?
What spiritual disciplines/practices fit you best?
What books besides the Bible have helped you to grow in your relationship to God?
How do you guard your time?
How do you renew your physical strength?
Please share your thoughts below.
Your brother,
Minister Onorio
After leting myself go over the last 3 yrs. I have regained my focus and work out. Not to get brolic but just be healthy. I find now that I've been home for a while that including my wife in the workout does wonders for our realtionship. Where I would pound out the weights and send her away. We now do p90x together. I've read the battle is the lords and no more excuses by Tony evans. and loose that man by T.D. Jakes. My time is a little too guarded. My wife is trying to get me to lossen up. If I say 10am I mean 9:50 am. I have become to anal as she says with time. LOL. I renew my physical strength by doing something fun. Laughter with my family is something I really enjoy. We play board games. It really bonds the family over something more than just dinner. Jay Mack.. Jerome
ReplyDeleteSimilar to my brother above, since October have started working out together. We have lost approximately 100 lbs. together. God has used our discipline to get glory. Other people who have seen our progress have started implementing exercise and diet as their lifestyle. We look to this as being our ministry to our brother and sisters in Christ and our co workers. My wifes progress has alone started a contest at work where she won! Even though we have success in Physical discipline we have struggled in our spiritual discipline (making time for God) and our financial (materialism). We are now just now starring the process of sanctifiying ourselves of those distractions and bad habits that influence unhealthy choices in our disciples in giving glory to God. Thank you for your confirming this in this message.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing. I pray that the Spirit of God would continue to empower you with the vision that will motivate you to cross the bridge of discipline in every area of your life.
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