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By Brad Bloom, Publisher
“My contact info is plastered all over. DM and we can talk.” Now that’s a gym owner that seriously wants to engage with members.
A decade ago I featured Ben Booker @thebenbooker in Faith & Fitness Magazine. Back then he had an amazing story to share and he/we didn’t know fully where God would take him next.
Today we see more – a lot more. He owns two gyms in Illinois, Second Chance Fitness.
I recently “liked” a social media post he made and want to bring it to the attention of all Faith & Fitness Magazine readers especially those who are fitness professionals and church leaders. In it he is addressing/admonishing his gym members about keeping the gym environment politically neutral and making it friendly and welcoming to everyone. That makes good from both a business and wellness perspective.
But there is another perspective. I love that in his post AND clearly in his business he is having confident ownership of his faith in God and the influence God has at his gym. He says, “But there is one who has all power, that one is God, may you find him now.” It’s a quote from Alcoholics Anonymous. Ben defines the “boundaries” at his gym with incredible clarity.
Make no mistake God’s boundaries are bold and liberating.
Christians and especially Christians who are in the business of fitness or the church often give themselves a pass from the full potential and influence God has for them, “I couldn’t do that – I don’t want to offend anyone.”
Ben shows that YES, you can declare your position – not only with confidence but with effectual influence that truly helps others gain a greater level of spiritual strength. In other words infusing the fitness environment, facility and culture with God with a very intentional and in fact thoroughly integrated Christian worldview isn’t something you might kind of try to do if it works when it is convenient. It is critical to creating not only a healthy environment but more significantly a dynamic and vibrant community that discovers what makes life with God so potent and valuable.
This is faith-filled encouragement personified and visualized to embolden you. It is the invitation you put out to others, “Here I am, talk to me!”
This is what it means to be CONSUMED – to be wholly equipped for the good work that God wants to do through you. If you’re not there yet, realize that your faith matures through daily practice and exercise. #dailydevotionaddsup
Thanks Ben for the leadership and passion for God that you demonstrate. Everyone, Check out the October/November 2020 issue of Faith & Fitness Magazine with the theme, consumed – be wholly equipped for the good work. While you’re there read the conversation we had with Ben Booker a decade ago titled Bodybuilding, Faith And Finding The Real Prize.
