Gym manager Jason Russell was having trouble keeping himself in good physical condition and religious at the same time. His difficulty in “trying to walk the Christian line,” as he put it, was compounded by the fact that he is single, and that he held memberships in meat-market style gyms.1 The solution, for Russell, was to join the Lord’s Gym as a fitness manager. The gym has a dress code, is family-friendly, and “meshes prayer and push-ups.”2 If that’s not enough to sanctify, there is always Yogod, which is described as a “take on yoga” for Christians.
“I needed not only to protect myself,” Russell explained, “but as a leader, to help others with their spiritual journey.”3 While the idea of associating with Christians in healthy, recreational pursuits is commendable enough, sweat should not drown out spiritual growth or water down doctrine in the process. It should be remembered that everyone, saved and lost, is on a spiritual journey. The term is too broad in scope for use by Christians, and is even dangerous. It implies that a course in muttering along through a touchy, feely, grope exercise is acceptable, and safe. It is not.
A spiritual journey that ends in an eternity in the lake of fire is not the same as coming to spiritual maturity in the faith. Also, more exercise of the page turning thumb will keep coaches reminded that neither they, nor their clients, will ever develop enough of their own strength for a Christian walk. Here is a suggestion for an inspiring verse for the gym wall: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phi 4:13). As for the Yogod, the gym should drop the attempt to Christianize the heathen practice. It gives the impression that something from a false religion can supplement the work of the Holy Spirit. A stretching class should be offered in its place.
Notes:
1-3. Katie Zezima, “A Gym Designed to Cater to Christians,” New York Times, June 6, 2008.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/06/us/06gym.html
