Over the next seven weeks we are excited to present the CODE PURPLE devotional from our friends at UNCOMMEN. This is post #5. Please join me in supporting these godly men working to help men impact their families, community, and the world for Christ. Click this link to connect with them and say thank you for allowing us to share their devotionals here.
Verse References: Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
This CODE PURPLE is talking about your health.
I started taking Karate at age 5 during the Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris early years. My Dojo wasn’t a belt farm that had 37 levels and just moved you up so you would keep paying. I had an old school Sensei from Japan, and it took me 5 years to earn my Black Belt. I made it to 3rd Degree Black Belk, and I’m registered with the Police in Louisiana and Japan.
I’ve played soccer, racketball, football, baseball, basketball. I’ve had Gym memberships off and on throughout the years, and after saying all of that, I found out a pretty important thing – I’m not a fan of working out.
I’m not a fan of working out
I liked my 13 years in the Martial Arts, I enjoy playing sports and even like the rowing machine at the Gym. But I suffer from Kidney Stones (15 and counting), and I have them when I become dehydrated. My metabolism is non-existent, and I think it may actually run backwards at times. So being a desk jockey most of my life, it’s been a love-hate relationship with working out.
My wife, on the other hand, has always enjoyed working out. In fact, she’s in the other room at this very moment doing a workout routine. It comes so naturally to her to stay active…
It comes so naturally to her to stay active.
But the older I get (50), I know that I must continue with the struggle to stay healthy. So, back to the gym, I go for not just my health but for the people in my life that I love. I’ll do them no favors just letting my health fade as I get older if I can invest now.
The other half of my health story is that I’M A FOODIE. I was born and raised in New Orleans for 40 years, and I appreciate good food. I don’t need to eat a ton, but I do enjoy food from all over the world, and so I need to moderate that intake with healthy habits.
My wife has always trying to find healthy food for us to slip into our meals. It’s been a mixed bag as some were really good and then there were the Veggie Burger Incident. But I want to encourage you and ask you to pray for me as we both try to keep our health in mind. Our scripture says we need to present ourselves as a “Living Sacrifice, Holy and acceptable to God…”.
Uncommen Questions
Do you exercise on a regular basis? If not…why not?
Would you exercise if a couple of your friends did this with you?
Would you exercise if it was a sport instead of the Gym?
Uncommen Challenge
My challenge to you is find what works for you and try to get into a groove. I know, I know….try it again and if needed…again. Ask a buddy to workout with you or find an activity that will at least get you off the couch several times a week.