Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Working Out

I got back into a gym this week. It had felt like a long time since I was there. About three years ago I made it over that hump people talk about, but you're not sure is real. That hump where working out quits making you feel worse than not working out. I can honestly say that I feel better when I am working out regularly...I eat better too. 

It has begun to occur to me over the last two years or so that body health is important. I mean that spirituality is not separate from physicality. That following Jesus is not like achieving Nirvana, we're not snatched up when we get faith. We're left here because life is a gift and calling from God

What's more, Jesus himself is not separate from the physical things in our world but all wrapped up in them. Often he is found in the people around us. I listened to a short interview the other day with a guy named Shane Claiborne, it renewed my desire to live life in the middle of real community. Where life is lived together with people...I don't know if it would work or what it would look like, but it sounds good.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I saw an interview with Shane and Tony Campolo and it sure strengthened my desire to live more simply! I think that guy is doing stuff like making gardens in deserted parking lots. I am reading a book that is great by Tony Campolo - "The God of Intimacy and Action" - reconnecting ancient spiritual practices, evangelism and justice. It's very good.

Anonymous said...

Just saw that previous comment and am also a fan of Tony Campolo. Red Letter Christian really made me think. Good post too Ben.

ben hoyer said...

I have heard that book was pretty compelling. I've not read it, but I have heard Campolo preach. That is often an inspiring experience.
Claiborne has a book out now that I think is similar to Red Letter Christians called Jesus for President that I have almost picked up a couple times.