Discipline Your Bodies Men

 

Discipline of the body and the mind.

Jesus walked all over Judea. He could only do this because he was fit.

Paul walked over much of the Roman Empire, survived beating after beating, even a stoning. He could only do this if he was physically fit. His writings show he was knowledgeable about sport and may have even fought wild beasts in the gladiator ring (though that passage is disputed). What is not disputed is the physical strength he needed to just do his basic role.

The most commended men in the Old and New Testament's were soldiers who were righteous (David, the Centurion in Matt. 8, and Cornelius in Acts 10). Why did they stand out? Because, soldiers with a faith in God, disciplined their body and mind.

The de-emphasis on physical strength to match spiritual strength, might go a long way to explaining some of the Church's issues today.

We now know and can measure it now, that obesity increases oestrogen generation in a man's body. It literally feminizes men. Literally. It can stunt the growth of a boy’s body, as well, if they are young and obese. Men who do not exercise, particularly their legs, also decline in testosterone at higher rates. Leg exercises increase testosterone production. Keeping in good shape helps keep testosterone production stay more stable as you age.

The Bible commands men to act like men and be strong (1 Cor. 16:13). Being overweight makes this biologically harder for men. Not every many needs to be a peak level athlete, either, but every man should work hard to keep himself in a good degree of health. You never know when you will need it.

As I like to say, "How strong should a man be? Well, how much does his wife weigh? Because he needs to be ready to carry her.” This also indicates that it is incumbent on women to watch their weight as well, because a wife is her husbands helper, and if he is going to carry her, she needs to do what she can to make this more possible.

But the point is men, letting yourself be given to being overweight is not good. It does not help you live as you are called to live.