“Nathan, slow down! I can’t keep up with you.” Panting and profusely sweating, I tell my 6-year-old son to wait for me as we hike up the canyons. My legs are burning and I’m in immense pain as we descend from the hike. But I act tough so my son won’t think his dad’s a total loser. I think to myself, what is wrong with my body? I was a star athlete in my adolescent years playing handball, kickball, dodge ball and even a one-time limbo champ. Now I could barely do a 2-3 mile hike without having to take a couple Advil’s and incessantly complaining to my wife about how much pain I’m in. Wives can be so unsympathetic to men’s physical pain since supposedly nothing compares to the pain of bearing a child.

In any case, I’m also a stubborn mule that will procrastinate when it comes to going to the doctors. I have nothing against doctors and hospitals. In fact, when something bad happens like the time my friend tripped me playing basketball and my head collided with the pole, resulting in my head being split open, I went to the emergency room to get my head stapled. But why would anyone go see a doctor to get a physical or check on their health unless they knew something was seriously wrong? Yes, I can be both stubborn and plain dumb.

After much pressure from my wife who had enough of my groaning after playing basketball and wrestling with my son, I finally went to see my primary physician at Kaiser. The last time he saw me was about 5 years ago and the first thing he says is, “Scott, you put on some pounds since I last saw you.” In which I respond, “How have you been too?” I love my doctor. Btw, my friend’s former doctor was Ken Jeong (now that crazy comedian who is in movies that Christians probably shouldn’t watch or shouldn’t tell people they watch). I don’t know why I threw that in. Did I also mention that I have a friend who has a sister who has a friend that knew Mila Kunis? Who’s Mila Kunis you ask? Seriously, no need to Google her. Where was I at before my unnecessary tangent? Ah yes, at the doctor’s office, in my silly robe, ready to be examined.

I tell my doctor all my ailments beginning with the pain on my knees. I point to where the pain is coming from and he says, “Scott, those aren’t your knees. Those are your Quadriceps.” He asks me, “Do you ever work out your legs?” I tell him, “No. Do I need to? I mainly work out my upper body.” See, I was working out some parts of my body but I wasn’t strengthening the muscles in my legs. That’s why when I had to use my leg muscles; it would always be sore afterwards. Epiphany!

Nowadays, I try to hit the gym 2-3 times a week and work my leg muscles with weights. It’s a bit humbling, struggling with 10-15 pounds on the exercise machine.  But, it’s a start. Of course exercise is just part of maintaining a healthy body which will also include having a healthy diet. I have to cut down on eating fast food and sugary foods. Darn you McDonalds!

Just as much as we examine the state of our physical health by going to the doctors, we need to probe our spiritual health as well. Sometimes we could be working out one area of our spiritual growth while completely neglecting another vital area.

I believe when we read the Bible, the word of God begins to examine our hearts and reveals the areas of our spiritual health that needs to be strengthened. Moreover, we are able to discover and grow our spiritual health in the context of community as we encourage and challenge one another.

So, let’s get fit! Both physically and spiritually.