Keep physical fitness in proper perspective in your life
by Michael Miller · May 19, 2023
Physical fitness has a place, but shouldn’t become an end in itself, personal trainer and addiction counselor Rob Decker said.
“I have to remind myself that I’m going to the gym for my mental health, for my heart, for my lungs, for a spiritual connection,” Rob said. “I was given my life back, was given fitness back, and I respect it a lot more,” he added, referring to his injuries following a suicide attempt.
“I also know that, coming from a place of addiction, we have tendencies that we develop—behaviors, patterns—and fitness could easily become a replacement for your drinking and using.”
There’s also the possibility of fitness becoming an idol, he said.
“If you’re going to the gym with a particular goal in mind of looking a certain way, if it’s all external stuff, that’s an idol,” he said.
He also encourages people to listen to the Lord when they’re working out.
“Even in a workout, if I feel like I could give it a bunch more, I’ve allowed the Holy Spirit to say, like, ‘Hey, you’re done.’ It might be so I don’t go down the path of idolatry, or He’s preventing me from injury, or maybe He just wants me to be obedient.
“You have to know what your intention for it is. Does it glorify God or self?”
Member Spotlight: Rob Decker of Rise As Lions and Kingdom FIT