Life!
Maybe we need a church body makeover
“Church body makeover challenge!” the headline screamed.
When I saw the title, I immediately became skeptical about the press release e-mailed to me from a group in Pennsylvania.
Here’s the opening excerpt:
“America’s Fitness Team in conjunction with the Rev. Michael Sloan of Divine Sources presents the inaugural Church Body Makeover Challenge.
“The Bible refers to the body as our temple! We must take care of the most precious possession we have, our bodies! America’s fit team and Divine Sources have begun a nationwide mission to makeover America and the entire church body! Churches will be challenging other churches, to get moving, get motivated and get fit for life!
“The Church Body Makeover is a 30-day challenge to donate 10 pounds of your unwanted body fat! America’s fit team has developed a complete personal training regimen that is easy to follow for people of all ages and fitness levels. Weekly body mass index calculations will be performed to monitor the progress of all the participants. At the weekly sessions attendees will learn about their diet, nutrition and body resistance training techniques.”
The effort began in Philadelphia and is moving into New Jersey and New York as churches sign on to the innovative program that offers cash prizes, gas cards and grocery coupons for top makeovers, according to the press release.
I don’t know enough about the program either to endorse or criticize it, but it strikes a spiritual as well as a physical nerve with me.
As believers, we espouse virtues such as self-discipline and the need to treat our bodies as temples of God.
Yet, I’m at the head of the line of people who really don’t make a serious commitment to physical health and fitness. If Sloan’s plan works, God bless him. Lots of us need some kind of incentive to put our faith to work in more practical ways.
I’d never thought of it before, but a “church body makeover” is what God has had in mind for centuries.
In Galatians 5, the Apostle Paul gives a detailed list of works of the flesh following by a list of the nine-fold fruit of the Spirit — “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.” Those are the traits that will bring the spiritual makeover we need as believers singularly and corporately.
Although I would single out temperance (self-discipline) as the one I need most in regard to my health, the first one on the list is the motivating force that brings the other eight virtues about.
For years, I’ve been told I need to love myself enough to take better care of myself, and to some extent, that’s true. However, I’m beginning to see I need to love other people enough to get in better shape so I can be of greater service to them.
Wonder what would happen if area churches would take on a 10-week challenge to promote a “spiritual body of Christ makeover”?
I wonder if the physical makeover might not just happen as we learn to be transformed from the inside out?
— E-mail: bdavis
@register-herald.com
- Life!
-
-
Flair and Flourish
Displaced worker reinvents herself with pen and ink
-
Scouting for food
Ever had a yen for some elk burgers or bear barbecue? How about some alligator gumbo?
Boy Scout Troop 103 will serve up these and other interesting menu items from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at its annual wild game dinner at the Dry Hill-Prosperity Community Center.
“I’m always amazed at how good the stuff is,” scoutmaster Arnold Bolen said. “We have about 34 different dishes this year.” -
Portraits gaining popularity among choices for tattoos
When it comes to using human skin as a canvas, there are many things a tattoo artist must consider.
-
NRCTC to host Women’s History Month convocation
A special Women’s History Month convocation will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. on , March 11, on the Greenbrier Valley Campus of New River Community and Technical College with the theme of “Wild Wonderful Women of WV.”
-
Fundraiser to feature plants and bulbs
The Greater Mount Hope Community Fund Inc. is planning what it describes as an exciting fundraiser called Come to the Garden Party.
-
So far, I’ve never been sorry for ...
Boy, we’ve certainly seen our share of public apologies here lately.
From politicians to sports figures and superstars, lots of folks are out there saying they’re sorry for one thing or another. -
Cooking with kids
Chef finds kids bring whole new perspective into fun of preparing food
-
Off and away!
Right about now, most people in southern West Virginia would love to be transported away where there are blue skies, warm breezes and lots of sunshine.
Actually, even if you haven’t been pummeled by unrelenting snowstorms, it’s a good time to consider off-season travel, a local agent said. -
Gluten-free, casein-free cookoff
Kids with autism are just like other kids when it comes to many of their favorite foods. Mac and cheese, chicken nuggets and pizza are all-time favorites.
-
Bridal, Prom & Special Occasions Fair offers first look at new fashions
Next Saturday, the 11th annual Bridal, Prom & Special Occasions Fair will offer a first look at 2010 formal wear.
- More Life! Headlines
-
