Be a Buddy

In I Thessalonians 5, Paul is exhorting the church to be “alert and self-controlled” while awaiting Jesus’ second coming.   He writes, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (vs. 11)

Surely our most critical calling is building one another up in our Christian faith.  But with so many brothers and sisters feeling physically defeated by poor health, physical pain, depleted energy, and excess weight, shall we not also be supportive by suggesting a walk together, sharing a simple, healthy recipe, or by giving a birthday fitness ball vs. brownies?

Nobody understands the benefits of the Buddy System better than Christians.  For where two or three are gathered in my name, there shall I be in their midst.  Our commitment to doing life together strengthens our faith, growth and service.   Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  (Ecc. 4:12)

 And so it is with our physical fitness.  We are much more likely to stand up and stretch, avoid that cookie or go to a Zumba class if we’re accountable to a friend.  The good news is the call to physical stewardship can easily be incorporated into our routines.  Walk with your buddies instead of meeting for coffee (and pie?) Ask your small group to share their successes and prayer requests in their food and exercise endeavors.  Serve wholesome snacks at all church gatherings.  Commit to encouraging and supporting one another in caring for this most miraculous of gifts, our bodies.  For as the Church uplifts each other, we will also be the light on the hill for others.

Who do you know in your church family who would feel loved and supported if you invited them for a weekly walk, committed to an exercise class with them, or showed them how easy healthy cooking can be?  Remember, supporting someone else fuels your own success.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.  I John 4:7