Focus on your faith for a moment. How well do you understand it, embrace it, let it guide you and be the basis of who you are? A 2010 Barna Group survey reveals patterns in how people relate faith to how they believe, think, communicate and serve. Overall the Christian faith is less of an influence. Spiritually we are lightweights, out of shape and even unhealthy. The Barna report summarizes, “new ways of relating to Americans and exposing the heart and soul of the Christian faith are required.”
For many their physical fitness reflects their spiritual fitness. They toy around with exercise lacking understanding, focus and commitment. While you may not see yourself as a hardcore “bodybuilder” there is a practice in bodybuilding you need to apply to your physical and spiritual life. It is called BULKING UP. Simply defined it is eating more and training heavier in order to gain muscle weight. How big are your muscles? Take a closer look:
At Skinnybulkup.com the issue of why it is “hard to make gains” is addressed with rather blunt frankness. They say, “Many skinny guys work out very hard but they don’t gain weight and add muscle. Some call themselves “hardgainers”. Others claim to have an ultra-fast metabolism. The one thing they all share is a list of excuses.” Scooby Werkstatt of Scoobysworkshop.com offers a simple and accurate answer to the big question, “How do you gain muscle?” He says, “Workout with incredible intensity (but don’t overtrain), sleep lots, and have proper nutrition.”
How strong and healthy are you spiritually? Do you have a list of excuses why it is hard for you? The same keys to making physical gains hold true for making spiritual gains:
“Workout with incredible intensity” = Your faith without works is dead.
“don’t overtrain” = Seek God, gain wisdom and follow His will.
“sleep lots” = Get your priorities in order, rest from busyness and don’t push your own agenda.
“have proper nutrition” = Consume the Bible and don’t feed your spirit garbage.
The 2011 issues of Faith & Fitness Magazine are being developed with Barna’s Megathemes in perspective. We are committed to producing content that exposes the heart and soul of the Christian faith in new ways. Take a look at our 2011 themes and how they will challenge you to bulk-up spiritually.
February/March 2011, PATIENCE – When Will You Quit?
The excitement of the New Year’s resolution may have faded but is your determination still there? Keep your diet and fitness goals on track and maintain a vigorous faith journey. Be a quitter and have the patience to never give-up! Barna Report Growth Goal: Implement and integrate your faith into your response to life’s opportunities and challenges. When will you quit making excuses, sabotaging your progress, having unrealistic expectations, listening to lies?
April/May 2011, CONFIDENCE – How Well Do You Wear It?
From arrogant athletes to pompous preachers, over-confidence is repulsive. But don’t let your distaste of pride keep you from gaining the body you’ve always wanted or pursuing and maintaining God’s values for your life. Barna Report Growth Goal: Develop spiritual and moral absolutes. Know the balance between representing truth and acting in love.
June/July 2011, THE PUMP – When Do You Feel The Rush?
Get your muscles revved and engorged with life-giving blood. You know where we’re going with this. If it feels fantastic for your body just think about the spiritual rush. There’s power in the blood. Don’t just do goodwill do God’s will. Barna Report Growth Goal: Learn how to maintain a strong spiritual basis for community service.
August/September 2011, DISCIPLINE – What Will You Learn Today?
Be consistent with your exercise. Maintain control as you eat. Obey the rules of good health. Now – apply that order to your faith life. Commit to learn more today then – live it forever. Barna Report Growth Goal: Understand the importance of becoming theologically literate. Gain tools to integrate your faith into every aspect of life.
October/November 2011, RECOVERY – How Do You Build Strength From Weakness?
After the workout you have to rest – IF you want to get stronger. Your body needs this process to be healthy. Your spirit needs this process to be whole. They need to be torn down then they can be strengthened. Work hard and then rest well. Barna Report Growth Goal: Invest in both your faith and family through spiritual practices like contemplation, solitude, silence, and simplicity.
December 2011/January 2012, RANGE OF MOTION – Where Can You Stretch Further?
Joint pain, injury and poor form contribute to a limited range of motion. Discovering how far you can stretch gives you the greatest ability to move and move in the lives of others. Don’t have spiritual Fibromyalgia. Get healing, build your faith and reach the full range of those around you. Barna Report Growth Goal: Be functionally capable to communicate and reach out to others.
Use Faith & Fitness Magazine and draw on the themes to drive spiritual growth in you, your church and your community. As you use social networking and interact directly with others focus on your spiritual growth goals. Bulking-up spiritually isn’t about looking good, it is about your personal relationship with God and shaping the future for generations. CONTACT US to get support for yourself, church or community. We want to hear from you.
