Faith and Fitness - Let’s Grow!

Tomorrow is “The Biggest Loser” finale on NBC.  Finally . . . a reality show that may have a little “reality” in it!  I love the message of this show: exercise + eating right = a healthy life style.  The “reality” of this show is anyone can do it.  Granted, the participants soley focus on exercise and eating healthy.  They don’t go to work, take care of kids, pay bills . . . so in that respect the show is not “reality” as you and I know it.  The participants’ sole focus enabled them to lose an amazing amount of weight is a short amount of time.  Check out the finale tomorrow night, and see how these folks have transformed their lives.

“The Biggest Loser” documents the struggles they had with staying consistent, staying disciplined during temptations (to slack or eat junk), and how some battled the emotional issues of an unhealthy life-style.  It is extremely hard work to accomplish what they have accomplished!  Could we do that?  We can all show the same kind of dedication if we want something bad enough.  Did you get that?  If we want something bad enough.  This principle of dedication follows one of my bottom lines of life:

“Anything worth having takes work.  If having it didn’t take work, then everyone would have it.”

Let me explain.  Having a good marriage takes work.  In our society more than 50% of marriages end in divorce.  Now, think of the couples you know who are married.  Do they all have a good marriage?  Probably, not.  Couples with a good to great marriage in our society are in the minority.  Why?  It takes work.  “Anything worth having takes work.”

We hear in the news regularly about how out of shape the United States is.  This is painfully obvious if you have spent an extended amount of time outside of the good ‘ole USofA.  It slaps you in the face when you return!  We’re an out of shape society.  People who are fit and in good shape may be in the minority.  Why?  It takes work.  “Anything worth having takes work.”

Spirituality - only you and God know where you are at spiritually.  Living a life growing closer to the Creator and walking in a personal relationship with Him takes discipline.  It takes discipline to cut time out of the day for a quite time, Bible study, and church fellowship.  It takes discipline to follow God’s manual for life–the Bible.  Does everyone have a growing relationship with God?  No.  “Anything worth having takes work.”

There are many other areas where this bottom line applies - friendships, raising kids, finances, and employment (just to name a few).  So, don’t wait around for the winning lottery ticket or your luck to change.  Take responsibility for what you want to accomplish.  Write down some goals (planning), tell someone about them (accountability), and get to work (action)!  Do you want to make changes in your life?  Well, get after it!

“Anything worth having takes work.  If having it didn’t take work, then everyone would have it.”