Getting In Shape

“Strike!” I enjoy bowling on our Nintendo Wii®. Although it’s somewhat realistic, I must admit it did not improve my game with real bowling balls and pins. Some of our friends had mentioned they lost weight by using the Wii so we decided to purchase Wii Fit Plus®. Many of the games fill a double duty. You get to spend fun time with your family, laughing at their hula hoop, while you are exercising at the same time.
When I was pastoring in our first church, I entered a 6.6 km road race. It took me 34 minutes to complete the race. I did not come in first but I did cross the finish line ahead of 34 other racers. Now with my Wii remote in hand I run over 9 km in 30 minutes and I don’t even leave the basement.
When you step on the balance board it makes this groaning sound and the “Oooo” lets you know it feels your weight. I am glad I do not take the comments personally or the game might be finding its next stop on the table for the garage sale.
In the past six weeks, we have stuck with the program, lost some weight and sweat through a number of shirts. I will never become Charles Atlas or the next Mr. Universe but I am reaching my goal to tone up, lose weight and to be able to enjoy a brief run without getting winded. After all one must be able to keep up with the grandkids when they come to visit.
We still have a way to go but we are feeling pretty good after the exercising period is over. We have more energy and we know that in the long run we will be healthier.
Many of us are overweight and out of shape. Maybe it is the chicken wings, potato chips and pop. It could be caused by our sedentary lifestyles of sitting in front of a computer for hours on end, talking to friends or working, or in seeking to be the couch potato champion. All we have to do is chase after a bus for a few minutes, or run upstairs for more salsa, when we realize we are really out of shape.
One person, trying to be funny, claimed that he exercised daily. He boasted he jumped to conclusions and ran off at the mouth. In retrospect, I wonder what would we look like if we stepped in front of a mirror that reflected our inner man or stepped on the scales of God’s standards. If God was your personal trainer what would His comments be like:
“Your feet are sore from stepping on people trying to climb the corporate ladder.”
“You are tired because you have run away from My presence.”
“You are anxious because you are carrying the weight of your world on your shoulders. The baggage of past hurts weighs you down.”
When God brings these items to the fore front He is not cruel. He wants to prevent you from ruining your life on foolish and hurtful desires that may only last for a few brief seconds. He wants only what is best for you.
Jesus knew that in all of our strivings, we would be out of shape according to His standards. He gave us this wonderful advice. “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The rest mentioned here is not flopping on some brand name mattress and falling asleep.This rest means we understand that we cannot do it on our own but must come to Jesus. He wants to forgive us for trying to do everything our own way; we just need to ask Him to. He has a purpose for each of our lives and He wants to show us what it is. Running on the spot may tighten up the abs but only God’s love in your life will change the shape your heart is in.
A few points to ponder. If you have a Nintendo Wii use and enjoy it.
If you don’t have one enjoy exercising anyways.
God wants to shape you into His image and likeness. He will do it if you let Him.