A Strategy for Physical Capacity

In order for us to gain a physical capacity that will allow us to be effective in our leadership, we need to invest in private disciplines. As we have seen in other studies, these private disciplines will enable us to have public effectiveness. As we develop a lifelong strategy to increase and maintain our physical capacity, we will have the strength and energy to fulfil the potential that God has placed within us. Our bodies will be energised 'vehicles' through which our spiritual, mental and relational lives can influence others. Not only that, we can experience what it means to "honour God with our [bodies]" (1 Corinthians 6:20), allowing us to start well, run well, and finish well.

Investing in our physical capacity will also increase the length of our ministry. Robert Murray McCheyne was a godly man who drew many to a closer relationship with Jesus. It was with great regret that he spoke of how he had misused the body that God had given to him. He died at the young age of 29, when his ministry and influence could have extended to many more years if he had developed his physical capacity.

In order for us to "reap" a healthy physical capacity, we need to "sow into" physical disciplines. These physical disciplines can be divided into three categories: physical exercise, rest, and nutrition. As we invest in these areas, it is important to remember that what we are involved with is more than a self-centred pursuit, it is worship.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1)

As we invest time and energy in developing our physical capacity, we are investing in the greatest gift that we can give to God: ourselves. The act of offering our bodies to God is an act of worship. Sometimes we have a very narrow view of worship that is limited to singing songs to God. Often our busy, badly prioritised schedules cause us to dishonour God by giving him a tired, exhausted sacrifice. Whereas investing in our physical capacity will ensure that the sacrifice is alive and full of energy to fulfil the purposes of God.

As with all disciplines, it takes time before we will reap the benefits of investing in our physical capacity. There is a delay factor. Just as there is a delay before green shoots begin to push their way through the earth when a seed is planted, there is a delay before we will feel the benefits of our physical disciplines. Often we are tempted to stop and give up before we start to "reap" the fruit of our disciplines. We must continue in our determination and discipline, and be prepared to wait to see the benefits.

Kenneth H. Cooper reports about an amusing experiment that illustrates this point. A researcher placed a weight on the floor, tied a rope to it, and attached the rope to his middle finger via a pulley system. Then, in time with a metronome, he began lifting the weight. He found that he could lift it 25 times before he was tired. He repeated this for a number of weeks, but found that he could not exceed 25 lifts. To expand the experiment he asked a mechanic in the building to try, and always found that the mechanic could beat him.

One day, around two months later, he tried to lift the weight and found that he could exceed 25 lifts. In fact, he managed 100 lifts before he became tired! He asked the mechanic to have another go, and beat him!

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)

We need to have commitment and perseverance if we are to reap the harvest from the disciplines that we are sowing, whether they are spiritual, mental, relational, or physical disciplines. In the next section, we will be looking at some physical disciplines in three main categories: physical exercise, rest, and nutrition. As with the other private disciplines, it is important to 'start small': perhaps choosing one discipline from each category and seeking to implement that in our lives.