The thing I'm churning over in my head is which of the following sentences portrays the truth.
- I'm doing this because I want to live a long life in which to serve the Lord and that I am the temple of the holy spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
- You care about your appearance in a way that you shouldn't and don't want to admit
- You wanna bowl 130KM/PH when your 21 and wanna kick butt next Cricket Season
Why case number one plays a part
Scenario number one plays a part because I do want to grow spiritually and recognise it as my most supreme need, the thing that always needs tending to. The four main activities (besides real world experience in obedience to new testament commands) that prod, provoke and grow me as a Christian are the Bible, Prayer, Sermons and fellow-shipping with other believers. Getting fit (in the way I plan) can help me spiritually in four ways.
To help you understand 'why', you need to know 'what' I am and will be doing. I go to an oval and practice cricket, which consists of me bowling, fielding and batting (by visually connecting locations of the oval with what shots need to be played and what balls I'd be facing on those shots on).
It helps spiritually because
- I (can) listen to sermons (my mp3 player has been lost the last few days though)
- It gets me away from folly media (TV, Games etc)
- Some days do provide me with chances to witness or give out Gospel tracts
- Less time spent within walls, more time spent musing over Gods creation (the birds, trees, lawn, the beautiful sky, sun etc)
Why case number two plays a spiritual part
It does scare me some what that I'd be doing this for shallow insecure reasons. It is it a good thing I am conscious of it and do try to keep it in check. What I do, is let the fear of it drive me to prayer instead of into deep entanglement in cotton wall (located over my eyes).
"Lord may I grow spiritually so much, that it overflows into wanting to keep this body healthy to serve you longer and for this body to testify of credibility toward myself and the work you have done in my life, whilst sharing the Gospel with others. Amen".
Why I joked around with case number three
The way I put number three is a bit of a joke, but also is a valid concern I have. Playing for a Club next Cricket season will allow me to meet new people, share the light of Christ that's within me to others and to share the Gospel. If I am scared that I'm practising cricket 100% purely out of a self glorifying attempt to 'perform' and 'promote' myself within a sport, may my prayer go something like this.
"Abba Father, remove anything within me that seeks to Glorify myself and turn my heart around, to Glorify yourself and help me to use Club Cricket to share the way of salvation, that you sent your son Jesus Christ to suffer and die a horrible death for us sinners that whoever would Repent (an asking for forgiveness, a turning away from Sins, a forsaking of sins) and put their trust, a 'saving faith' in you would receive forgiveness of Sins so that YOU would accept US and we could avoid your terrible wrath, by eating a fruit of your love, kindness and mercy. In the name of Jesus, Amen".
In conclusion, if I successfully complete (and continue in health) this endeavour, it is safe to say that a combination of what I have talked about and the 'three (3) reasons' played its part in the result. I could also throw in some scripture about laziness, but hey it's late.
PS: I'll be back shortly (in the morning) to correct mistakes etc
