“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”
II Peter 1:5
Why is this so hard?
Self-control, in II Peter 1:5, seems to be the "glue" of these Christ-centered characteristics. Without self-control it's hard to add or maintain all the others. Because without self-control we become self-ish not self-less.
Sustainable Fitness
We all know that we need to be good stewards of our bodies. However, for me the hard part is sustaining a healthy lifestyle or as Peter puts it "persevering". The goal should be consistency and a sustainable fit lifestyle. Not just a new fad diet for a few months that sheds 40 pounds then the next month gain 30 of it back because we deserve a break! This is not a self-controlled approach in my opinion.
So, why do you think it's so hard to be self-controlled with our fitness?
Focus
The answer to this question can be found in our focus, or lack there of. So, what is the correct focus? I believe Paul says it best in Romans 7:21-25 for this area and all of the 5F's.
"So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
Challenge
Before you check out, remember that poor body stewardship can be an idol in our lives that crowds out Jesus as our focus. So, as I Corinthians 10:31 says, "so whether you eat or drink do it all for the glory of the Lord".
In other words, enjoy what you eat but don't idolize, covet, or look to food for your comfort. Ask God for wisdom and awareness in this area of your life so you can glorify God in this area of your life and be fit for whatever he calls you to do in your life!
Ryan Johnson
MD5 Facilitator