Christianity and Bodybuilding

Read Matthew 19:16 this is the story of the young rich ruler. The youmg man asked jesus what he could do to have eternal life and jesus told him to follow the the commandments of god.. The young man had followed all the commandments from his youth and told jesus he had, so jesus told him to give up all his rches to the poor and to follow him. The young ruler could not and he left. In this jesus showed the young ruler his issue concearning his money and realy loving his neighbor, he loved his money more then helping out his brother and he wanted it more then he wanted eternal life. but Jesus did tell his deciples that the young man would have received more than he had given away in this life and the coming kingdom. God will exspose what is closer to our hearts than him. As for bodybuilding I dont belive it is a issue and I dont belive god does as well, lets remember he did designe this body in his image. He made the body to grow and be strong and healthy, not to be fat and lazy and to eat all that you desire if its not good for you. The human body does everything it does because god made it that way. Now Vanity is somthing diffrent, if you worship yourself and desire others to worship you body then theres a problem. We are beautiful creations because god made us that way and the bible speaks on us maintainnig our temple and health. Some of us just like pushing our bodies to the limit and being big and strong. I use my time at the gym to workout and to spread the message of jesus and what hes done in my life. As belivers we are to go into the whole world and preach the gospel, gyms to. The best advice I can give is to pray about it and ask god to realy show you what he wants from you and be consistant about it. We all struggle with priorites(misspelled) thank god for fogivness and we can continue to pursue rightouesness. Its a journey not a destination my man and also a sacrifice at times, you may lose 10 pounds but what about that life you may impact. From the dust I came and the dust I will return and I shall take no possesion with me but those treasures that I store in heaven will be there. Continue to Bodybuild and give god the glory for all that you achive but remember that his buisness is first then hell take care of your buisness.
 
I think I concur with the majority of responses placed so far - if you feel called or decide you would like to serve others in a way that is more unusual for you; go for it. It's new, it's different and you'll grow spiritually as a result. Nothing you don't know. :)

However, what's been on my mind all day is the capacity for God to use us in whatever situation we find ourselves, simply through our desire to glorify Him. It comes down to motivation. Just as with any other labor, bodybuilding can be a form of worship. Giving it your all, setting an example in both behaviour and action in the gym, as with anywhere else, and lifting with the mindset that you have been blessed by God to be able to do so. Not only is this praise, but it ultimately will be a darn good witness to those around when your training.
 
Just like everyone else has been saying, serving the Lord can be done in so many different ways. We can serve Him while doing our daily, mundane duties.

Sometimes it can be so good and beneficial to step out of our "comfort zone" and serve in another way, though. You talk of going on mission trips. There have been several that I have gone on in the past, and have found them to be a great way of moving along my spiritual growth and relying on the Lord for everything. I went to Belize on a mission trip when I was 14, and I had to raise $3500, as well as make doctors appointments and get a passport. It was so good for me... I was so scared at first, but I really felt the Lord wanted me to go. It took a great leap in faith, and I believe that it helped strengthen my relationship with God because of my complete reliance on him.

But it doesn't always have to be a mission trip. It could be sacrificing your Wednesday evenings for helping out fellow believers in a coffee shop, just as you spoke of doing, IC. It could really prove to be a rewarding and enjoyable time for you. I cannot think of anything better than to serve God with our whole heart while growing closer to Him and His other children. :)
 
Well I'll keep giving it my all in Life and in the Gym. Never looking back except to see where I've come from. Keep Praying and keep Pumping. Live your Testimony, and increase your Testosterone.
 
B5150 said:
I have the entire The Quest for Authentic Manhood transcripts. I've actually considered starting up a AnabolicMinds Social Group to do an e-study.

I will tell you without hesitation it has been the best thing to come to my manhood and my Christianity since I was baptized 21 years ago. It has been life transforming on many levels.
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that is a really great idea brian!:)
 
man you should just do one thing at a time.

So now that you started bodybuilding, just keep doing it (with perhaps 5 mins in the night of praying to god and thanking god for all the food and opportunities god's given us).
 
Jayhawkk said:
Please don't get me started on fellow believers at this point. I just had my best friend's mother request me to delete her off myspace because I sent her a message letting her know she had posted a few 'religious' bulletins that were not based in fact. I was polite but she decided that I was the one who was wrong and my pride is my downfall and living in sin(celebrating valentine's) was proof of this. etc etc i'm burning in hell
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Wow! My father-in-law sounds the same way. Lol. If people don't believe the way he does, then we are just plain wrong.
 
its really encouraging to see so many dudes involved in bodybuilding who are believers.
and if there were an e-study with AM that would be sick, i would definitely get involved.
 
I guess in answer to your first question, you would have to ask yourself a question or two:

As you plan each day what do you plan first? ie. which takes precedence, your workout/eating schedule or your ministry (whatever that may be)?

Which takes up more of your thinking, God or your training?

How you answer those two questions I think would answer your question of whether bodybuilding is getting in the way.

This is also a topic I struggle with quite a bit. Many times I am guilty of putting training/eating at the top of my priority list.
 
This may help a bit: As a mason (fraternity I belong to) we are thought to use certain tools, one is the 24" gauge or ruler.
The 24-inch gauge or ruler symbolizes the balancing act Masons must achieve for a fruitful life by dividing the daily twenty-four hours into eight hours of work, eight hours of divine contemplation, and eight hours of rest from the other sixteen hours of human and divine toil.
While this is easier said than done, because we may work more than 8 hours a day, but it at least provides some sort of guideance on how to use the time we have. I honestly believe that as long as we know in our hearts that we are doing the best we can, then God won't hold it against us. The fact that you feel that way is a true testiment that you really want to do the right thing, and I don't think you should beat yourself about it. When the right motivation presents itself, you will do what is right. There is difference if the church needed you, and you blew them off because of the gym. Or, that a fellow believer was in need of spiritual comfort, and you chose to work out instead. I hope my 1 1/2 pennies helped.
 
Yo Irish, whats up man. I was born and raised as a catholic though i received my baptism much later than others (at age 10). I definitely think it is alright to be involved in both bodybuilding and Christianity. You just have to devote some time to both. For instance i have done a few mission trips going out of town for a week to NYC or 2 weeks to kansas.

I see your point in losing muscle. If thats how you feel take some dumbbells down with you to where you are going and you can work most muscles with those alone. Then add what someone else said about push ups, etc and you pretty much have a full body workout. Take some supplements with you and you should be fine.

A month trip would be too long for me, i think a week or so would be ok though :P
 
Just my opinion, but my preacher is always saying you don't have to be a missionary, become a preacher, etc... to do the Lord's work. I would just get in a quite place and talk to the Lord and see what He really wants you to do. The mission trip maybe something you think you should do, but it's not truly the Lords will. Besides, I bet their's just as many lost people in your gym as going on a mission trip. Good luck and God Bless
 
The answer is simple but you have to look to the bible.

Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. "

So god has to come first in your life. Serving him has to be your priority. Everything else follows. This does not mean there's no room for bodybuilding in your life.. it just means that bodybuilding should not be your priority. It should not get in the way of serving your god.

Rember jesus said at luke 22:42 " Let, no my will but yours take place" When talking to his father.

There's nothing scripturally wrong with bodybuilding but anything even though innocent that gets in the way of what we should be doing is like saying your putting god second. Something to think about ;)
 
A true Christian uses the Lord as his/her Alpha and Omega meaning Beginning and End... to me that means he is the basis of all aspects of my life and to all things I owe him thanks... including my health and physical well being to appreciate and acknowledge my gift of body building.

If anything, hopefully you can understand this and that I am not here to argue or convince you of anything. This was not meant to be a religious debate and I would never stoop so low as to put God the Father up as an egotistical or prideful argument. It's not that I'm proud to be a Christian it's that I'm humble to be at the mercy and blessing of my creator. When someone blasts the name of God the Father I feel a deapened and weakened sadness such as yet more great than that of my own earthly father. I refuse to be arrogant and that I am any better than someone that does not share my beliefs b/c we are all the children of God IMO and God would not want me to bear and example of being a righteous christian. The only true one who is righteous is Him.

Ultimately I agree that people that title themselves as Christians but do more talking than loving their peers reguardless of faith is a very disturbing and unfortunate act. Realize that just b/c someone calls themself a christian does mean it is so. Having said all that I hope you don't feel negatively towards others b/c of a bad or even many poor experiences.

The day God entered my life personally instead of being just a book or a hymn or a story... I made a promise that whenever opportunities arose I would never deny his name. It's a small reminder of why I'm here and I rather say humble and blessed than proud.
 
I have a friend ive worked with and worked out with for years. He is Pentecostal, did I spell that right, lol? Although Im more moderate in my religious beliefs, I have gone to his church when invited and I will say it was quite overwhelming. Women screaming, crying and speaking in tongue,.. some people up front dance wildly, and the people in front of me grabbing a hold of a shaking man who at one point I thought was having a seizure. Im not poking fun by any means, but simply put, it wasnt my cup of tea in terms of worship. My point for admitting all of this is my friend who ive known and workout out with for a while, is very involved with this church and is there for worship 3 times a week, and for bible studies another 3 times a week. Thing is he is just as serious as I am about bodybuilding and there has been plenty of times his schedule became messed up where he has to skip his service for that night. But he understands that church is a big part of his life, and missing one night of service doesnt make him "evil" or selfish.

All in all, God knows what kind of person you are. If you go to church,( or dont) and show your true devotion and faith, I dont think he'll hold it against you for a few times you have engaged in activites that will better your life, rather than go to a few services.
 
As I find that religion is something that isn't for everyone, I do say that I'm a christian, I have friend of all races/religions and admire them equally. I'm not the best role model due to my upbringing, but if it wasn't for the good Lord I wouldn't be where I am today. I am blessed on many levels with a "serrogate family" whom I learn from day to day in regards to life, love, respect, hard work, honor and integrity. I have been dating a fabulous woman for a little while who thrives on these things and appreciates the man I am today, and she is very successful which in turn drives me to work hard to achieve my goals because I am around all of these wonderful, caring, loving, and influential individuals, all of whom have a strong relation to God.

I am not holier than thou, I am far from perfect, I am not the most religious, but where it counts- in my efforts of continued support for everyone around me- good or not so good, religious or people who don't carry the same faith, I am still there for them. I have an undying love for those around me, even at times when others wouldn't think they deserve it, but I find in my abilities to look past the bad, and show them the good, the support, and the integrity, I feel my job is done.

In regards to bodybuilding, I don't think it has deterred my faith or service to the Lord, because we are supposed to treat our bodies like our temple, take care of it, treat it with respect, feed it, keep it healthy. It does not interfere with my church going, it doesn't interfere with my speakings of the Lord, and it doesn't interfere with my faith at all.
 
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hey check this out.
well ive had some ruff times recenlty and i knew that i was getting off track with God, im mean i was way off track not reading, i remeber when i was askd to pray and i could barley say a good and meaningfull prayer!
well i broke down and told God mi pice, i told him that i know all these bad things were happing to me cuz i was not following him and living right. (totald 2 cars in 6 mounths and went to the eroom 3 times) needless to say i was at mi lowset that i evar want to be.
I talk to my best friend, i startd to read more and more and was reading how that liveing right and stiving to be good is wat God wants.
I did and God startd to bless me, first with weight gain alot man 10lbs solid, then mi strength came. i currenlty sit at the 4th highset clean with 288lb and it was easy, im going to easily break mi school record of 302, as a matter of fact im going to crush it, and to top it all of im going to be the stongest kid to ever come out of my high school!
 
Good job man, just remember that you can do all things through Christ who strengthins you and that there much more he wants you to do than hit the weights but its good to do and that your giving him glory for helping you to acheive your prs.
 
I think if you go to the gym for 3 seconds or 3 hours it shouldnt make a differance, i think what does make a differance is how we pray and treat people. It doesnt matter if we pray for 3 secs or 3 hours, its knowing that we have faith in God. If we treat someone amazingly for 4 hours and then the next day treat someone poorly for 5 mins, now thats what God cares about i Believe . The key is to love god with all your heart,soul, and mind. If you dont go on a retreat or somewhere with your ministry thats fine I believe. The fact that you brought it to this board is a clear indication that you value christ and are willing to sacrifice meals for your ministry. I work for a Hotel, so sometimes they schedule me on sundays, and I have to work. I used to feel as if I was turning my back on the church and God when I had to work sundays. I have talked to priests, pastors etc...... it kinda falls under the whole jesus saying "would you save your sheep on the sabbath?" kinda thing. Christ knows I love him, and he knows where my heart is. If I work, if you dont go on a mission trip from time to time, I am positive that the Jesus from the bible knows where our heart stand when it comes to him and all gods children. Our beliefs are not about eating or not eating and its more about how we treat people and worship God. People get wayyyyy to bent outta shape coming down on themselves for simple things. Accepting Christ and do gods will, and I believe thats what it all comes down to.
 
jbradley1981 said:
I think if you go to the gym for 3 seconds or 3 hours it shouldnt make a differance, i think what does make a differance is how we pray and treat people. It doesnt matter if we pray for 3 secs or 3 hours, its knowing that we have faith in God. If we treat someone amazingly for 4 hours and then the next day treat someone poorly for 5 mins, now thats what God cares about i Believe . The key is to love god with all your heart,soul, and mind. If you dont go on a retreat or somewhere with your ministry thats fine I believe. The fact that you brought it to this board is a clear indication that you value christ and are willing to sacrifice meals for your ministry. I work for a Hotel, so sometimes they schedule me on sundays, and I have to work. I used to feel as if I was turning my back on the church and God when I had to work sundays. I have talked to priests, pastors etc...... it kinda falls under the whole jesus saying "would you save your sheep on the sabbath?" kinda thing. Christ knows I love him, and he knows where my heart is. If I work, if you dont go on a mission trip from time to time, I am positive that the Jesus from the bible knows where our heart stand when it comes to him and all gods children. Our beliefs are not about eating or not eating and its more about how we treat people and worship God. People get wayyyyy to bent outta shape coming down on themselves for simple things. Accepting Christ and do gods will, and I believe thats what it all comes down to.
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I actually just listened to a sermon about this...Luke chapter six. It was really great.
 
lke chapter 6 is awesome, my favorite part of six is when Christ talks about the foundations of a house and how it relates to how we do gods will. The crazy thing people dont understand is the closer we are to christ the more responsible we are to do the right thing. If i am driving down the street during a blizzard and you are walking in the same direction, and i just drive by you, well! its ok because i dont know you. Well, if i do know you and i make pretend i didnt see you, and i keep driving. Now, there's a sin, I have turned my head and acted out of selfishness because i didnt offer you a ride. Well turning your back on God is pretty heavy sh*t. So many people do it, and its not ok, but god is forgiving and just try not to do it again..

I know that was a little off topic, but talking about luke 6, makes me think about the foundation of the 2 houses and I think that is so true.
 
Ya, I'm really loving the study. My church goes through books verse by verse, chapter by chapter, so I really have been learning a lot in Luke on Sundays...We just started Jonah for our Wednesday nights.
 
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