The Insider track...

I've been thinking...I am most definitely an insider when it comes to issues of faith. I am fourth (or fifth) generation Pentecostal. (That means my family was one of the first groups of people to join the Pentecostal movement that began in 1896 and gained momentum in 1906--for those who care.) My parents were traveling speakers (Evangelists) when I was conceived (sorry for any images there...yikes!) They took a small church for my first 4yrs of life then planted the church they currently lead (28yrs ago). Well, I'm 32 and have been in one church for 28yrs, so I believe this qualifies me as an insider. Earned three degrees from our denominational educational institutions, received three levels of ordination from same denomination. Served in full-time ministry for 9+ yrs now.

Well, not writing a resume or job appl. just illustrating my inside track. I say all this to qualify the next few statements. As an insider, everything just is. You know, you grow up believing and adhering and following certain creeds. To the outider, thinking, learning, processing and experiencing these new elements of faith maybe strange and awkward at first. This sounds, to me, a lot like counting the costs as Christ mentioned in the New Testament.

Recently, I began a certain counting of the costs. Now, grant it, it is something I am familiar with. I have been considering health, wellness and exercise again. These are issues I have been passionate and consumed with before. I know well the cost, price and sacrifice needed to obtain levels of fitness and health I so desire. Much like with issues of faith, cares of this world, selfish desires and the influences of friends often deter our intentions. However, as with faith, intentions do absolutely no good. All of my research online, thinking, praying, and past knowledge of training, exercising and nutrition are useless unless I put them into practice. James, in the Bible, speaks of this as well when he states that faith without works is dead. I know about resistance training, cardio, nutrition and rest, I wholeheartedly agree with it and believe in it. I have seen with my own eyes the benefits and results. I have tasted and seen that exercise is good. I have led others toward lifestyles of health and wellness. However, if I am not walking in it and living it daily then it becomes of no use. Often, we gym rats, or ex-gym rats, speak of how quickly we lose it. The benefits. I don't know how quickly we lose it spiritually. I am not saying that two weeks out of the spiritual gym and we are hell bound. But the blessings, protections, directions and favor seems to slip. I hope we can stick to it when things get tough and we hit the walls and the plateaus. Oh, well, let me know what you think. God bless....

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