Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

[johnsomebody]

Re: Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

I agree w bonis. The above argument is saying go ahead and put whatever drugs u want in your body as long as u have a good heart. IMO if god wanted is to b born big muscle bound guys we would have. God gave is our genetics we are made in his image. However he also gave us choice and free will. We choose to enhance our god given bodies. Addiction is a sin. Whether it be muscle weights beer drugs sex whatever. Can we b forgiven absolutely but don't try and justify sin god ain't no fool. B true to him and yourself repent ask for forgiveness. Pray going around looking for loop holes in the bible doesn't really work


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Let me comment on this too, since it's an important issue for any Christian, whether using gear or not.

The context in Mark 7 is about eating "unclean" foods like pork, which made the person who ate it unclean and separated from God according to the Law of Moses; it was clearly a sin. Christ rejects that totally and very clearly when he decreed: "Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them."

Is pork bad for you? Maybe it is, and certainly too much of it is, like too much of about anything else for that matter. But that doesn't make eating it a sin to Christ, and if you're a Christian what Christ says is what matters, not anyone else's opinion.

Smoking directly damages the health of anyone who uses it, beginning with the first puff. Is smoking a sin? Of course not; smoking can't separate anyone from the love of God that's in Christ any more than pork or gear can.

This is where "the freedom that is in Christ" which Paul discusses comes in. "Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is helpful. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not allow anything to control me." In my experience, knowing that I don't have to worry that this or that thing like gear or smoking is a "sin" means I can look at that thing objectively: is it helpful for me or others or is it harmful to me or others? Am I choosing it freely or am I addicted to it?

As to whether one should be content with one's self as is, that's a choice one makes for one's self. Personally, I've learned that being sick and starving in a dungeon somewhere and being genuinely thankful to God for, say, a crust of bread, means I'm a happier person than Jay Cutler worrying about whether or not his calves are big enough and never taking a moment to thank God for anything.

[Vicious 13]

Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

I agree w bonis. The above argument is saying go ahead and put whatever drugs u want in your body as long as u have a good heart. IMO if god wanted is to b born big muscle bound guys we would have. God gave is our genetics we are made in his image. However he also gave us choice and free will. We choose to enhance our god given bodies. Addiction is a sin. Whether it be muscle weights beer drugs sex whatever. Can we b forgiven absolutely but don't try and justify sin god ain't no fool. B true to him and yourself repent ask for forgiveness. Pray going around looking for loop holes in the bible doesn't really work


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bonis90]

Re: Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

dude you injecting yourself with stuff that will shorten your life , getting all greased up and flexing in less than you where for underwear...

that aint going to church

[MuscleAddiction]

Re: Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

Great post. I appreciate your thoughts. I'm just glad to see more and more 'brethren' posting on here. That takes courage in itself!

Ditto x2!!!

[MuscleAddiction]

Re: Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

Wow, this is really a great heartfelt and honest post, and you express yourself very well. I'm really glad I came across it.

Plus I understand your uncertainty about this issue, since I've dealt with the similar issues for decades as a Christian. But it's not been about gear (which I've only used a few times) but about pretty much EVERYTHING. And I realize that that's just part of following Christ –not having the perfect answer for "is this right or is this wrong" for ALL the things that one encounters in life. But believing in Christ means having him as "Lord", which means that he has the final say, and that's between him and me personally. He's the one I want to listen to as to if something is good or bad, right or wrong, go this way or that way, and everyone else can take a flying leap. Not that I don't appreciate advice at times, but what is "sin" or not is decided by him, not someone else.

Here's what helps me with an issue like gear, where Jesus spells it out, it seems to me, very clearly: Jesus' own words from Mark ch7...

"Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”
He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them.
For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.
All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

And "defile" means "to separate from God by making a person 'unclean'".

So think about it: Jesus, it seems to me, is making it very clear that gear or whatever going into a person cannot possibly cut that person off from God. It's what's in one's heart, not whatever chemicals may or may not be in one's body, that threaten one's standing with God.

The only "threat" I see from the whole bodybuilding "lifestyle" is it can mean obsessing too much about externals while ignoring the envy, hate, greed, arrogance (to name a few from Christ's list) in one's own heart.
But it's hardly bodybuilders alone who do that.

Thank you for the insight brother! Excellent!!

[baby1]

Re: Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

Great post. I appreciate your thoughts. I'm just glad to see more and more 'brethren' posting on here. That takes courage in itself!

DITTO!

[Big Hoss]

Re: Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

Wow, this is really a great heartfelt and honest post, and you express yourself very well. I'm really glad I came across it.

Plus I understand your uncertainty about this issue, since I've dealt with the similar issues for decades as a Christian. But it's not been about gear (which I've only used a few times) but about pretty much EVERYTHING. And I realize that that's just part of following Christ –not having the perfect answer for "is this right or is this wrong" for ALL the things that one encounters in life. But believing in Christ means having him as "Lord", which means that he has the final say, and that's between him and me personally. He's the one I want to listen to as to if something is good or bad, right or wrong, go this way or that way, and everyone else can take a flying leap. Not that I don't appreciate advice at times, but what is "sin" or not is decided by him, not someone else.

Here's what helps me with an issue like gear, where Jesus spells it out, it seems to me, very clearly: Jesus' own words from Mark ch7...

"Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”
He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them.
For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.
All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

And "defile" means "to separate from God by making a person 'unclean'".

So think about it: Jesus, it seems to me, is making it very clear that gear or whatever going into a person cannot possibly cut that person off from God. It's what's in one's heart, not whatever chemicals may or may not be in one's body, that threaten one's standing with God.

The only "threat" I see from the whole bodybuilding "lifestyle" is it can mean obsessing too much about externals while ignoring the envy, hate, greed, arrogance (to name a few from Christ's list) in one's own heart.
But it's hardly bodybuilders alone who do that.

Great post. I appreciate your thoughts. I'm just glad to see more and more 'brethren' posting on here. That takes courage in itself!

[Orange24]

Re: Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

Good point

[johnsomebody]

Re: Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

Thanks Hoss, and Alec you are not alone. Thank you Baby as you are always there for Nikki and I, and we love you. There is a song on the radio that has a verse "have an angel on my shoulder, and the devil in my head"...as my mind is my worst enemy at times. As far as my faith, well it has been renewed as of last year, so I look at it as if I am a novice in this, although like I said was baptized as a family last year...a very powerful day for our family as a whole, as well as for myself. I am reading the bible daily, as well as taking this day by day. I love this lifestyle of ours and no don't see myself turning away from it anytime soon...if ever. I am a man that has always lived my life doing the next right thing, I do not hurt anyone around me intentionally, I have been in two fist fights in my entire life back in high school, had a bout of drug use back then too, but ended it and picked up weights and this lifestyle to save me from further destruction in my life. I had a career that I was proud of (yes we should not be prideful), I have always worked hard to take care and support my family, always being the best father, husband, friend, brother, mentor, man I can be. I do not drink alcohol, I do not smoke...used to but gave it up, I do not cheat nor ever have, and love my wife and daughter with all my soul and being. I do carry resentments but working on them, I know they harm me more than they do others, there are some close relationships in my life that I can learn to be more forgiving and let go of those resentments...but working on them. When I was laid off my job of 23+ years it hit me hard, and as most will think that this really isn't much to be down and out about (yes I never wanted to talk or complain about MY problems to others because why were MY problems greater than other peoples, so kept them to myself and my close family...but am a man who wears his heart on his sleeve unfortunately). So when I decided it was time to give my life over to God and Christ as I had no control, and to work on my relationship with God and to surrender myself to his path for me, this is pretty much the only thing I see as a question to it all. Is it getting in the way of my relationship to him? I don't feel it is, I talk and pray to him daily, am active in our church, involved in a growth group at church, as well as volunteer in the youth program my daughter is in...I try and help as many in our community as I can, I love everyone, and I even have found myself swearing less lol...so I guess the sin I have through this lifestyle is vanity. I love the sport of bodybuilding, it saved my life from a road of destruction and has what I feel made me a better person, more confident, loving, caring, nurturing, compassionate, disciplined, hard working, and wanting to share and help others in this as well. Although it was a thought in me that has been lingering, as there are some aspects to it that can be looked upon as sin...but we are all sinners through Gods freewill, and Jesus died for our sins so we can be forgiven. Do I admit that I am sinning in the scheme of things sure, do I ask for forgiveness yes, do I pray daily yes, do I owe it all to God for what I have been blessed with in my life you bet, will I continue walking Gods path and help spread his love and word...YES. It is nice to see that I am not the only one here, I have put myself out there in a vulnerable state, but like Baby said earlier, I am at a time in my life that I do not care what people think of me, my judgment day will come, I do not judge others as I do not know what their journey is in their path of God, all I can do is the next right thing...and be the best I can...and love!!!

Thanks for letting me share, felt really good.

Wow, this is really a great heartfelt and honest post, and you express yourself very well. I'm really glad I came across it.

Plus I understand your uncertainty about this issue, since I've dealt with the similar issues for decades as a Christian. But it's not been about gear (which I've only used a few times) but about pretty much EVERYTHING. And I realize that that's just part of following Christ –not having the perfect answer for "is this right or is this wrong" for ALL the things that one encounters in life. But believing in Christ means having him as "Lord", which means that he has the final say, and that's between him and me personally. He's the one I want to listen to as to if something is good or bad, right or wrong, go this way or that way, and everyone else can take a flying leap. Not that I don't appreciate advice at times, but what is "sin" or not is decided by him, not someone else.

Here's what helps me with an issue like gear, where Jesus spells it out, it seems to me, very clearly: Jesus' own words from Mark ch7...

"Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”
He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them.
For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.
All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

And "defile" means "to separate from God by making a person 'unclean'".

So think about it: Jesus, it seems to me, is making it very clear that gear or whatever going into a person cannot possibly cut that person off from God. It's what's in one's heart, not whatever chemicals may or may not be in one's body, that threaten one's standing with God.

The only "threat" I see from the whole bodybuilding "lifestyle" is it can mean obsessing too much about externals while ignoring the envy, hate, greed, arrogance (to name a few from Christ's list) in one's own heart.
But it's hardly bodybuilders alone who do that.

[Big Hoss]

Re: Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

Recently found this website... samsonwear.com. The guy has a great personal testimony.

Re: Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

Ahh......I'm a new found christian, and I'm struggling with this one. I think I'm a man and I'm going to sin. One thing I've learned from bible study is that a sin is a sin. So I don't see what I do as any worse than cussing, or talking about someone else.

[baby1]

Re: Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

That's a two way straight. Christians persecute and some are the most judgmental people I've ever met ��


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is what I had stated earlier. I have come across some "Christians" that if you were not a part of their church than you were looked down on. Some have even extended their help to "Church family" before blood relatives because they were not part of the church.

[Vicious 13]

Re: Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

That's a two way straight. Christians persecute and some are the most judgmental people I've ever met 😃


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Big Hoss]

Re: Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

Christians have been persecuted, hated, ridiculed, mocked, scoffed, etc., etc. for centuries by our own friends, family, peers, government, and the list goes on. It's how you handle the situation is what separates us from the world. We are instructed to pray for those who hurt us and to pray for our enemies. It is very hard to do at times; believe me, it has happened to me throughout my 35+ years of being a Christian, and it deeply hurts, so you are not alone. Your natural instinct is to "get back" at the ones who hurt us, but to practice self-control and ask God for strength and Godly wisdom is half the battle in itself. If we pray for those people, God will take care of the rest, it just takes patience on our part.

[MuscleAddiction]

Re: Thoughts on being a Christian Bodybuilder...is the lifestyle sinful?

MA, I don't think you came off that way at all. I to have become a very spiritual person and more so in the past year but for me it is completely different from my faith. Just a feeling that is hard to explain but it is a great one. Do what it is that makes you feel good.

Just checking Baby, again new to it and yes don't want to be or sound preachy, just trying to explain where I am at. I am reading a really good book right now called "Embraced By The Light" by Betty J. Eadie, a book of her near death experience, really good and worth reading. There was a part in it that hit home with me hard...

"I saw the evil in surrendering to one of Satan's greatest tools...my personal cycles of guilt and fear. I understood I had to let go of the past. If I had broken laws or sinned, I needed to change my heart, forgive myself, and then move onward. If I had hurt someone, I needed to start loving them honestly and seek their forgiveness. If I had damaged my own spirit, I needed to approach God and feel his love again, his healing love."

That is where I am at in my life, I have love of my wife, daughter, friends, and family...but still missing something...that is where I am at with my relationship with God.