The GYM and the CHURCH

Putting aside all the fun-packed events at Robinsons slated this summer for me to host, this summer is and will be extra fun even when my body bathed only half under the sun (by far). I was trying to avoid perhaps, but I just don't feel beach parties at this point.

Well, maybe the gym has made me feel that. Two weeks ago, I signed up for the gym @ Cellutrim Fitness Camp and yes, you know what to expect -- muscle cramps yet a very tranquil sleep. Gym is my official trip this summer and this time, like never before, I promised myself to never let a day pass without an exercise. I have even penalized myself at the same time by eating  measly amount of rice and calories a day. BOOM! It worked. The rest will be history. *Praying*

But let me make myself clear -- it's not all about getting shaped up but more of something health-wise. The more we make ourselves close to our eating habits, the closer the detriment.

On the other side of the spectrum, I already got myself back on track to where I really am -- being at CHURCH and spending more quality time with God. You hear it right -- Summer at church! I have had many points in life where I literally forgot about Jesus and led my life the way I wanted it to go. So this summer is the starting line of a lifetime change, thus, I made my spirit fit at the same time too.

Seeing these two words in my blog is not just because I have started to do both this summer but because there is a line than connects these two important things -- It's just because I have seen very important similarities with the two that I have realized lately.

It's an odd realization for me that came to like a flash flood this afternoon -- GYM and CHURCH have some similar qualities for me. (Though I know I should never exchange CHURCH with GYM. For what is for eternity is eternal and body is passing)

THE TWO EXTREMES

Today I realized a very important thought: Going to the CHURCH is like going to the GYM - You have to do more than "attending". "Gyming" is like "Churching" -- you gotta pull your self to do it when in times you get tested and tempted to fall into the trap.

For me, a church has to lift up like giving out energy and not a display of dormancy. You have to praise the Lord with your might, permanently retain the knowledge you got from sermon, apply in your life the thing learned, and not just go "just for the heck of it".

THE WRONG PHILOSOPHY

Some people often believe going to church is a way of simply "cleansing themselves out of sin", but CHURCH was never built that way. Some others may think that "GOING TO CHURCH is enough to save me", but its not that way. Just as you give your material possessions for the poor does not save you and gain you eternal life.

It needs personal relationship - going to church as if God is close to you and not a million miles high. It needs to have effort to fully say, "I've done what the Lord wills". At the end of the day, the two extremes teach me things I should shun away and things I should build a habit for. I should avoid what the gym instructor tells me to avoid. And I should avoid what the pastor tells me to avoid.

Going back, Just like the gym, you need consistency and takes a ton and more of dedication and oftentimes, patience. Going to the CHURCH is like going to the GYM - it entails strength, dedication, and consistency to make your spiritual body fit. It needs hardwork, strength, and effort. Just as I shape my body, that's how I should shape my spirit.

To God be the Glory!