Poster Guy
1 Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; (ASV)
So there may need to be (have to be?) a little pain if there’s gonna be any gain.
You know, it would be so nice to look like the guy on the poster or in the magazine who has proudly removed his shirt to display a flat stomach and rippling muscles. But, as nice that would be there is a great battle that ensues when considering whether or not to leave the couch and the banana split for the long (not really) drive to the gym and the arduous pain inflicting actions that take place there. Repose is sort of nice, too, you know, and while you don’t get the nice flat belly, you do get the nice feeling in the belly, the pain of which is a whole lot more comforting than the ongoing aching the crunches exact. Honest consideration of the long-term effects, however, brings things into better perspective when it is understood the health and emotional benefits that exercise brings, once its pain has been endured. All those tasty treats and long naps, while completely avoiding any challenge to the flesh, will in the end destroy it.
So, while images of running away from the gym to the pastry shop seem way more inviting, there is a significantly more substantial benefit and confidence that will come from the choice to steer towards the conflict rather than away from it. And, once it is understood how beneficial this navigation truly is, a certain joy and excitement will begin to accompany even the turns that take you there. When won, this battle on the field of the mind will result in a victory in the body and in life itself. This understanding will be the armament that defeats and silences the flesh-dominated demands of the way that leads to death.
So often it is just much easier to give in to sin, to say that juicy comment, to partake of a substance, be entertained by perversity, walk away with something, or, you know, just curl up on the couch with the remote and the ice cream as it were. There is a poster, though, of someone who has spent way more time in the gym than the dining room. The more you look at Him, understanding how He defied His flesh and challenged it to become the victor that He is, the more you want to face your challenges the way He did and follow the path He has taken. Far away from the demands of the flesh and its impending failures in the mind, the body, and life, there is a place where the flesh is put under and strength is found. Even the pain from the exercise of it can be reason for joy and encouragement when it is known that the very pain that may restrict movement today is making it possible to have increased strength and effectiveness tomorrow. Pain is actually inevitable with either choice- it is the outcome that will drive the right choice. When the flesh rules it will bring ultimate death, while crucifying the flesh now and becoming identified with Christ puts to death the old man, but allows the risen life of Christ to be experienced in unity with Him.
1 Peter 4:15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men’s matters: 16 but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name. (ASV)