Weight Lifting
- July 27, 2006 -
For most of my life, I never really worked out since I basically had the body of a greek God (no need for all that laughter). But as I’ve started to grow older, I realized the greater need I have. I need to prepare my body to be able to do any sorts of physical activity now. The definition I once had by simply keeping active now requires actual work.
The sad thing is that I don’t like to lift weights. Although I’ve been a lot better this summer than any other time in my past (other than when I was playing volleyball in high school), I’ve been so inconsistent. And a lot of times when I’m at the gym, it can become out of bitterness more so than the desire to be stronger. I always question why people would put themselves through that. You basically force yourselves to lift heavy weights that your body naturally isn’t prepared to lift, and so it strains every ounce of your body. You force your muscles to tear apart because its too much work, but then it grows stronger. And then because the weight gets easier, you increase it and go through the same struggle again. This endless cycle continues, because you’ll never reach a point where you can lift everything. And even if you are content with your strength, you have to consistently lift to keep the same definition and strength. It takes a lot more work to strengthen your body than for it to become weak. And I’m so lazy that I don’t feel like putting in the work. It’s too much of a strain…give me something easier.
I realize that’s how we are when it deals with our spiritual strength as well. The concept is pretty much the same – we are made to lift these heavy burdens, but through lifting them we become stronger…and it basically prepares us to be more capable in lifting heavier burdens. Even to stay at the same strength, we need to be consistent in the ‘weight’ that we carry on a regular basis. If we stray from our spiritual disciplines (reading the Word, praying, fellowship with believers), we won’t be as strong to stand firm against burdens that we once that we could carry.
We are so much more ready to work out physically and stay true to a schedule and be disciplined in that aspect, because our physical appearance is so much more noticeable to ourselves and to others. But do you recognize how you look spiritually? Don’t get weak. Continue working out, strengthen your arms and legs. Only then will you be strong enough to stand.
Oh…and a spotter is extremely beneficial in lifting weights…they push you, challenge you, and help you when the burden is too great. (SEEK ACCOUNTABILITY)
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natemathai | 
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Celebrating Independence
- July 5, 2006 -
(This is turning into a ‘once-a-month’ post…hope nobody really cares)
This was the first time I spent the summer in Champaign, and my first 4th of July. It still amazes me how all over the US, in every state, and almost every city, there’s a time when people go out and stare at the sky to watch colorful explosions. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful thing to watch. There are some fancy types, some big booms, and some nice music to go in the background. But is that all it is?
Everyone knows that the 4th of July is to celebrate our Independence. Because we gained freedom, all the people wanted to celebrate, and chose to set off large explosions in the sky to signify that we are free. (That might not be the only thing done, but its one of the most common tradition). Thousands of people now go out and stare at the sky and watch the firecrackers explode in the night’s sky. And everyone one them is thinking, ‘Man, it’s so good to be free. We were once captives and chained and in bondage, but because of that time in 1776, we have this freedom which is so liberating.’
Please. Who are we kidding? For one day a year (sometimes 2-3 depending on how crazy we feel like getting), we go out and watch these sparks fly through the sky, and mentally know the reason, but don’t take the time to reflect on it. And when it’s over with, we go to sleep, and forget all about it until the next year.
I feel like Easter Sunday has become the Independence day for Christians. Once a year we take this time to celebrate our freedom. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, and rose again from the dead so that we could be saved. He liberated us. We were in chains and bondages in our sin, but because of Christ, we are able to overcome. And so Easter has now become our time to remember that. And remember the gospel story of how Christ came down to this world as a bunny and planted colorful eggs around for his disciples to find (sarcasm…I feel like so many holidays have become so commercialized that the meaning has completely been lost…its sad). So many people go through the motions, go to church, and do the acts of Easter. But how many actually think, ‘Man, it’s so good to be free. We were once captives and chained and in bondage, but because of that time in 33AD, we have this freedom which is so liberating”? Percentage wise, I think it’s a small amount. Similar to Independence day…I don’t doubt that there are people (war veterans, government officials, immigrants) who truly embrace freedom and recognize the importance of the day. But in the large scale, there are so many blindly going through the motions without realizing the true picture.
The amazing thing is, that in celebration of freedom, there’s a colorful explosion going on all the time in heaven. Everytime someone accepts Christ’s call to freedom, the fireworks go off and a party goes on up there. Do you realize how much praising went on when you accepted Christ? And every year when that day comes again, they are still celebrating, even when you’ve forgotten.
It’s so easy to celebrate traditions. This world has called us to live life without reflection. It’s such an empty life to live. Take the time and think about the importance of everything you do. Reflect on truth. Reflect on freedom. True freedom. Don’t let any moment go to waste, where you are simply walking blindly. Because in the end, it’ll be completely forgotten, and pretty meaningless in the big picture. And who wants that as a mark in their life?
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natemathai | filed under: Personal
