Since before the quarantine, I’ve been trying to use weights and do aerobic exercise each day. As my birthdays increase, so do my weight struggles. I want to be strong and healthy for the last part of my race, and a sedentary life is a great temptation in retirement. My recliner is such a temptress.
I know having strong muscles helps in this regard, so I’ve been trying to track my fat vs muscle percentage using a body composition scale. This tells me more of the truth than a scale that simply measures my overall weight. The scale works by sending a low-power electrical signal through the lower part of the body. The signal passes through water and muscle faster than fat and bone, so it comes up with a formula to summarize your fat, hydration, and muscle percentages.
I was frustrated and discouraged this morning because I’ve been improving and regressing every few days. It makes me want to just give in and walk to the Dunkin’ Donuts down the street. However, the Lord reminded me this morning that He’s more concerned with the fat percentage in my soul. He wants me to keep a perspective and focus consistent with His. Although He wants our bodies, His temple, healthy and strong, “a fatty heart is more concerning than a fatty body.” A fatty soul can impede the signal of His Holy Spirit flowing in and through us to others.
When we get caught up making minor issues major ones...or we focus more on what is wrong with our lives than on our blessings...with our discouragement more than our victories...or we let an offense take up residence and root us in the cement of unforgiveness...or we plop ourselves in the muddy puddles of regret...our soul composition makes it more difficult for the Holy Spirit to move through us in transforming ways.
Let’s make it our goal to become “lean, mean, fighting machines” in the spiritual realm, as well as in our bodies. We are called to be Warriors* after all. We may actually fight best in our recliners, if we’re praying in the Spirit while we’re there. But no matter what area of our Trinity of Man is sidetracking us...body, soul, or spirit...let’s determine to “cast aside everything which hinders us”* and impedes the flow of the will of God in our lives. He’s waiting and excited to show us, including making use of household analogies.
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**Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. —Hebrews 12:1
*2 Timothy 2:3-4
