GYMNOS – Fitness Scenarios for Self-Examination
Gymnos is the Greek origin of our modern-day word Gym. It means “naked.” GYMNOS articles in Faith & Fitness Magazine are designed to help you challenge your thinking. In the literal sense, when you are naked in the locker room there is nothing to hide. That makes most people uncomfortable. Use this scenario to get naked spiritually—be honest, transparent, undisguised and willing to be totally open with yourself and others. All characters in this scenario are fictional. Any similarity to an actual person is coincidental.
Jim and Michael have worked together at Vida-Tech for a couple of years. Lunch breaks are staggered. So, like many going through the daily nine to five grind, Jim appreciates the chance to have an actual face-to-face conversation when he can, even if it’s brief. Come to think of it, he hasn’t actually talked for real with anyone at church for some time. Every Sunday is a great production, a show of sorts. But, there’s often no opportunity to really connect with others. That’s what made last Tuesday so incredibly different. He and Michal were both in the break room at the same time.
“Michael, do you still go to the gym to work out every day after work?”
Michael nodded, “Of course I do. It is part of my lifestyle.”
“Great, I have a favor to ask of you. It’s starting to get warm outside and summer will be here soon. I plan to spend some time at the lake with my family, and want to be beach body ready. Would you be willing for me to join you in the gym a couple days a week? I figure if I follow your routine I can’t help but get in better shape.”
Michael smiled and grabbed his lunch bag from the refrigerator, “Yeah, sure, but it won’t be easy. We can start Monday afternoon. Be sure to stop by the Y that is near the office and join before then.”
Just because you have power doesn’t mean you have to show it off.
A few days later, Jim scanned his new membership key tag at the front desk while simultaneously looking around the crowded weight room for Michael. This sure beat the stress of the usual evening rush hour drive. A moment later Jim spotted Michael who motioned him to a flat bench in the free weight area. Navigating past grunting giants, he made his way to his co-worker – now trainer.
As Jim reached Michael and extended a fist punch, a group of guys yelled out in unison to cheer one of their buddies to successfully complete a ‘new’ heavy weight on the leg press machine.
Jim glanced at them and raised his eyebrows, “Wow, it’s almost as loud in here as it is at the company warehouse.” Mike replied, “I guess. I come to unwind after work, not get wound up.”
A loud bang resonated throughout the gym and the guy on the leg press triumphantly barked, “beast mode baby!”
One of the guys looked at Michael and pointed.
“I think he wants you to work out with them. It’s okay if you want to join them; I know how to bench press,” said Jim.
Michael laid down on the bench and gripped the bar, “Nah, its chest and bicep day, we’ll do legs Wednesday. Besides they’re not even using good form, just showing off for all the girls here. I’m not trying to impress anyone.”
As Jim took his place on the bench Michael continued, “Just because you have power doesn’t mean you have to show it off. Sometimes it takes more power and self-control not to use the strength you have.”
Jim gripped the barbell and struggled to unrack the weight.
Michael firmly grabbed the bar and helped Jim ease it upward.
After three sets of ten they removed the plates and put them away.
Slightly winded, Jim admitted, “I was a little shaky getting started. Thanks for the help.”
“No problem,” responded Michael. “There’s always going to be somebody stronger and bigger than you. At some point we all feel little in life.”
As they continued next with incline dumbbell pec flyes Jim couldn’t help but think about the Bible verse where Jesus said, “You’ve observed how those who are godless leaders throw their weight around. A little power quickly goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. If you want to be great then you must become a servant.” Jim knew that Michael wasn’t a churchgoer but he sure was willing to give of himself. In fact Mike was downright humble and generous in helping him to get fit.
Now in his last set, Jim was struggling to reach a full extension. Mike’s lunchroom warning, ‘it won’t be easy’ was loud in Jim’s mind. Jim ventured, “Since we’re doing legs on Wednesday, would you like to join me for our group Bible study afterwards?”
The invitation got Michael’s attention. He paused and just looked down at Jim, “— Maybe.”
They both remained motionless a moment longer until Jim smiled real big and said, “A little help here!”
QUESTIONS FOR GROUP DISCUSSION AND PERSONAL REFLECTION:
- How does the busyness of your daily routine impact you? In what ways can an unrushed and engaged conversation between you and someone make a difference?
- Consider times when you’ve been in the presence of apparently strong and driven people who like to loudly celebrate their success. How does that make you feel? Describe how gentleness, humbleness and serving others are a louder celebration of God.
- How do you distinguish between sincerely sharing Christ with others and being a show off with your faith? Was Michael’s pause good or bad? How would you interpret Michael’s ‘maybe’ response and what would you do next?
