13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
What does it mean to take on the full armor of God? Better yet, what does it mean to take on the full armor of God in fitness?
In Ephesians 6, we explore the different pieces that make up the armor of God.
From the belt of truth strapped around your waist to the breastplate of righteousness to the shield of faith that is needed to stop the flaming arrows to the helmet of salvation to finally the sword of the Spirit. Each one of these pieces is necessary to protect you and to help you withstand anything the devil is trying to throw at you.
Similarly in fitness, it takes more than just showing up and getting a good workout to be fit and healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually. You need to stretch before and after to ensure your muscles are warmed up for the workout and to ensure those same muscle recover faster. You need to eat healthy and make sure you get enough nutrients to fuel your body. You need to make sure you get enough sleep so your mind is sharp during the day. And above all, you need to pray, pray, and pray some more.
Thank God for allowing you the opportunity to work on your body and for the gift of movement. Thank God for giving you the strength to finish the workout. Thank God for every rep, every set, every breath, every rest. Thank God for your weakness because what better way to show how much God’s strength can shine. Thank God for your strengths because they are God’s gift to you.
So my brothers and sisters, take a moment the next time you come to Laudate or go for a workout, and think about how you can be complete in your faith and fitness journey. Thank God every step of the way and go put on the full armor of God!
By iron, through iron, to iron. Laudate!
God Bless,
Frank Chen
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