The world is obsessed with physical fitness. You can turn on the TV any time of day or night and you will find people bending, stretching, or twisting their bodies. Some have developed exercise and physical fitness to religion status. Yoga and far eastern religions teach their message through transcendental physical exercise. It seems that every conceivable machine has been developed to help men and women lose weight and look trim. Gymnastic equipment, springs, balls, and even the “Gut-Be-Gone” are leaping off the shelves as the obsession with the body continues.
At the same time, our government tells us and our own observation tells us that obesity is at an all time high in America. In a recent cartoon from Europe, several people from various nations were depicted in stereotype. The Irishman stood with his bagpipes. The Russian stood with his fur hat. The Scottish man was in his kilts, the Arab in his turban, and the American had a pot belly with a cigar in his mouth.
What’s the problem? Why are we obsessed with health all the while becoming an obese nation? I believe the answer is not physical, but spiritual. Jesus said in Matthew 16:26 that there is no profit in gaining the world if you lose your soul. The key to physical fitness is spiritual fitness.
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
(Rom. 8:1)
The flesh seeks after itself. The flesh desires to feed and pamper itself with no regard for the spirit. When the flesh is left alone to take care of itself, it will become out of control. Jesus said in John 6:63 it is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing. Where then is our deliverance? How can we get the flesh under control?
Galatians 5:23 tells us that a part of the fruit of the spirit is self-control. The only way to control the flesh is to walk in the spirit.
Try this. The next time you desire something in the flesh and your soul has trouble deciding if it is right or wrong, instead of guessing, pray in the spirit and get quiet before God and listen. The spirit will guide you into all truth.
This doesn’t mean that you will never have a hot dog or ice cream cone the rest of your life. But what it does mean is this. It is the spirit that gives life and the flesh profits nothing. Follow the spirit, ignore the flesh and you will become spiritually and physically fit.
Copyright © Larry Ollison Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.