Miles To Go

When Moses first confronted Pharaoh to set the Hebrews free Pharaoh had an interesting response.  He asked, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go?” 

Who is the Lord?  Pharaoh didn’t ask this question because he was an atheist.  Pharaoh wasn’t an atheist.  In fact, he believed in many gods; he was a polytheist.  Pharaoh believed that you serve whatever god you need to serve to get the things that you want to get. 

Moses was not a great public speaker, but he did not need to do much talking.  God let his plagues do the talking over the next few weeks.  It was a message that would cripple the most powerful nation on the planet and motivate them to avoid Israel for hundreds of years.

Not many people believe in the same gods that Pharaoh believed in some 3,500 years ago but there is still a strong belief that whatever religion you follow is good if it gets you what you want out of life.  It’s not that people don’t believe in God, it’s just that they are not sure whether to spell it with a capital “g” or not. 

Christians still face this same question from skeptics, “Who is your God/god that I should obey him?”  Sometimes we stammer a little when faced with this question.  But God has already answered it.  He came, lived, died, and was resurrected as an answer to that question.  This is why Jesus said things like “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 

There will always be little pharaohs who stubbornly follow whatever god they think will serve them best.  Our culture is not more enlightened than ancient Egypt in this matter.  But in an ironic twist, it is the “whatever” crowd that now needs to be set free from slavery. 

This is more preachy than most of my blogs, but the religion of “whatever-ism” needs to be preached against just as the narrow way of following Christ needs to be promoted.  How do promote the narrow way in a whatever world?

Dear Personal Trainer,

I’m so glad we are working together to improve my overall health.  I have looked over the personal fitness schedule you created for me and think it is excellent.  Of course from time to time there may need to be some exceptions to the exercise and eating plans you have so meticulously documented for me. 

For instance, I go on vacation for two weeks over the summer.  I would love to follow your schedule during those weeks, BUT I find it impossible to be rigid all the time.  So, on vacation only, my diet will consist mostly of Chipotle and fried foods while my exercise will be limited to shorts walks with the dog.

I also have a very social job.  A couple of times a week I must eat meals with people or families.  Your meal plan is excellent, BUT I wouldn’t want to be rude. So I will not be following strict guidelines during those meals.  Oh, and I often feel bloated after a large meal, so exercise will not happen the day afterwards.

As their primary caregiver, I get to spend a lot of time with my children.  I think your daily exercise plan is well thought out, BUT there will be many days (especially over the summer) when I will be caring for them instead of following the fitness plan.

Holidays are very important to me and often involve food.  Thanksgiving, in particular is epic and should be seen as an indulgence.  I do not think I should use this as an excuse to neglect caring for my body, BUT these days only come around once a year.  Other important holidays include: Christmas, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Inauguration Day, Presidents Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans’ Day, my children’s birthdays, my birthday, and pastor appreciation week.  Note that not every holiday listed above comes every year, and President’s Day/Washington’s Birthday overlap with my daughter’s birthday so three separate exceptions will not always have to be observed.

Good health is the hope and goal with all of this fitness planning, BUT I think it is naïve to think that I will not occasional become ill.  Those months will be obvious exceptions to the schedule that you have carefully planned.  I would also be remiss if I did not mention my aversion to extreme weather (both hot and cold), so outdoor exercise is out during the hot and cold months of the year.

I will try to adhere firmly to your suggestions, BUT emergencies happen.  Sometimes cars must be repaired, children must see the doctor, pets get sick, and friends cook large pots of chili (which often creates a second emergency).  These are unavoidable life moments that could briefly interrupt my training.

Upon analysis I believe it is realistic if I plan to follow your diet and exercise schedule one week in February and at least three days every other month (non-consecutive) until the major holidays hit in November.  There is a chance that I can add a few days in October, provided the flu season does not take its toll on me or my family.

Thank you so much for your help.  I’m looking forward to the great results that will come from hard work and dedication to your plan.  I want you to know that I am committed to seeing this through as a lifestyle, year after year.  I will not back down or quit just because things get hard.  You will be my inspiration and motivation to turn my life around, become healthy, and feel great about myself.

Sincerely,
M@

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maqOpMXnDjQ 

Today’s message was on Legalism.  I love this video but didn’t have time for it this morning. 

Enjoy