I work out!

I am fascinated by how many Facebook posts I see of so many people working out. I never got the hang of taking pictures of my workout, or my food, on Facebook. I didn’t really think those things were that important. But evidently I am in the minority. Not that I didn’t work out…even my closest friend still calls me a musclehead.

When I think of how I view things so differently than I used to, the difference is stark.

Paul had so many people demeaning him that he addressed it to the Corinthian church. 2 Corinthians 10:10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

Most of the entire world values Paul as one of the greatest apostles, and many consider him the highest form of Christianity. I’m not here to debate this. What I am wanting to discuss is Paul, when people saw him.

History tells us that Paul was very short, balding, and walked with a limp or was bowlegged. (After the stonings and beatings, who can blame him.) But the point I am trying to make is that if we had seen Paul, who also did not seem to speak with flair or vigor, he would not have been anyone flocked to see because of what he looked like or how he spoke. He wasn’t physically imposing, and when he spoke it evidently did not arouse the crowds, yet on this side of history, Paul is often idolized (yes, idolized.)

We waste our times trying to lose weight, stay in shape, and we consider what we have to say valuable in our circles.

Paul cared nothing for this because Paul knew that when he was weak, then the Spirit was strong on him. Paul valued what God was doing through him, and not worried so much about what the presentation looked like. Paul knew that God could speak from a fiery mountain as he did in Exodus, or he could speak through a jackass as he did for Balaam. (I would argue I have seen a few of those that God was NOT speaking through in the church)

But the point of the matter is this, are you building up the inside…..because God ONLY looks on the heart. Working out is fine, but doing it at the expense of what God values will be something we are ashamed of on the day of judgment. Humility is the highest rank of the kingdom…trying not to be seen will be highly esteemed before HIM