I started exercising again because I just turned 63 and want to make a difference for Jesus for many more years. Also, I want to live long enough to see both my daughters get married, expiring only when I’m holding my grandchild and, after looking lovingly at her/him, I whisper, “I love you, little Stevie….” then, suddenly, I’ll keel over.

Comedian/commentator Bill Maher asked, “Have you ever seen a fat 90-year-old?”

“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,,” the Apostle Paul writes, “who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Sadly, too many of us have not taken care of that sacred place where Jesus dwells. Instead of a temple made for him, we look more like the restroom at McDonald’s.

Since the emphasis of the Good Book stresses a holy walk with the Lord by reading and obeying His Word, there’s not a lot of stress on physical exercise. Still, the Apostle Paul says, “physical training is of some value.” (1 Timothy 4:10)

In my twenties, when I was lean and mean, I promised myself to never become a fat man in the bath tub, sporting a huge, protruding pot belly. Too many pastors preach about sinful excesses while barely able to buckle their pants.

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” (3 John 1:2)

To ensure that we will be a witness for Jesus long into our twilight years, we must maintain good health. Do not put it off until tomorrow. Start today.

Several years ago, my youngest saw an advertisement on the side of Joe’s Crab Shack: “FREE CRAB TOMORROW!” Laurel was soooo excited that she couldn’t contain her enthusiasm: “Dad! Let’s come back tomorrow and get free crabs!”

Explaining that the sign would say the same thing then, her bubble burst. “And it will say the same thing the tomorrow after.”

When it comes to working out, tomorrow never comes because there’s always an excuse not to do it.

“Therefore, lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees….” (Hebrews 12:12)

I NEVER feel like working out and am always tired and hungry. Accepting those facts, I exercise anyway, not trying to be a body builder, or an Olympic athlete. I just don’t want to be a big, good ole boy. There are enough heifers in the Hill Country.

Don’t know where to begin? Start small. Walk for 20 minutes. Lift some light weights. But do it daily. It isn’t for pride’s sake or for you to get a second glance from a stranger; it’s not even to cobble a compliment! It’s for the Lord’s sake, to maximize your health in the service of Him!

“I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:20)

As it says in Zechariah 3:16: “Just do it!”