February Fitness Centers

     We've made it to February so those serious about staying physically fit should be pleased to know that the "rookie's and has been's" of exercise have migrated away from the barbells and back to the buffets.

     With every New Year's celebration comes a myriad of resolutions! People find a need to create a more healthy lifestyle of eating, exercising, and educating themselves to promote an image of acceptance and approval.

     To be honest, I've never been one to make many resolutions. It's not that I lack motivation, refuse to work hard, or refrain from maximizing my potential. It's FEAR!

     Here's the fear; FAILURE. And really, that fear is only internalized when I consider the external consequences I'm afraid others will place on me for not meeting their expectations.

So for those of you that did make a resolution, how do you continue the journey for 2014?

Here are three options:
1. Keep pressing on.
2. Begin again.
3. Choose to quit.

     Think about this. In the Gospels, Jesus made it clear that He came to die. Even His disciples grew in disbelief at such a remark. Upon His arrest and ensuing crucifixion, many of Jesus's closest friends abandoned Him.

     How would you have liked to been known as Jesus's "beloved disciple?" John, the beloved disciple, was one of Jesus's closest friends. He was there. Present. Constant. Even while Jesus was on the cross, John found himself by His mother's side (John 19:26). He could have questioned Jesus's position and walked away, but he didn't. He was pressing on.

     Remember Peter? On the Mount of Olives he said, "I will never fall away." And Jesus's response, "Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times" (Matthew 26:33-34). Unbelievable! Jesus called it! A crowing rooster would sound the alarm of Peter's denial. Yet, after this gut-wrenching realization of letting his guard down, he later became a major player in the early church. He chose to begin again.

     How would you like to have the name Judas? For centuries this name has carried the weight of being the guy that sold Jesus out. Ok. So he made a mistake. He betrayed Jesus. He had every opportunity to make it right. Admit he was wrong. Ask for forgiveness. Trust God's mercy. Instead, he pronounced his own judgment. He took his own life (Matthew 27:5). He chose to quit.

     So in your attempt to set goals for this year, how are you doing? Do you feel the weight of others' opinions? Are you being too hard on yourself because you think you can't measure up? Does it feel so difficult that you think you would be better off to quit?

     Jesus said, "I have come that you may have life and have life more abundantly" (John 10:10). I would suggest it's not really about setting goals. It's not about measuring up to someone else's standard. It's not about winning or losing. It's about the life sustained through Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). This year, choose to move. Move closer to the whisper of the One calling your name.