Getting Fit - Tract (Pack of 50)

Been to the gym recently?

Following a special diet?
Working towards a fun run, a 5k or a marathon?

These days, lots of us are trying to get fi t and stay fit. And let’s face it, there’s never been more help and advice out there.

Barely a day goes past without another special diet coming out, another ‘killer’ exercise plan developed, or new research  being released that tells us more about how our bodies work. Or don’t.

A NEW YOU

And the pressure’s on, isn’t it? None of us want to look our age – we’d rather look younger.

And we want to be stronger. And faster. And have more energy. And be more attractive to others.

The advertising’s persuasive, after all. “You can have a new body” – “lose two stone in a two weeks” – “the new superfood that takes years off you”.

And what’s wrong with it? Why shouldn’t we make the most of the bodies we’ve been given?

HOPE I DIE BEFORE I GET OLD?

But have you ever stopped to ask WHY we’re so obsessed with fi tness and our physical health?

Is it the march of time? We don’t want to age, so we fight to stay looking young. And if we can’t do it naturally, there’s always cosmetic surgery – a nip or a tuck here or there to sustain the illusion.

Or maybe, going deeper, we’re scared of death? We know it comes to all of us, but we don’t want to have to face it. Because we don’t know what’s beyond it. So this life seems all we have.

THE HEART OF THE ISSUE

Yet maybe we should take a little more interest in our spiritual fi tness. It’s been said that the heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.

Yes, a good diet and regular exercise will keep our hearts physically healthy, but what about the heart of who we are as people: the soul?

The Bible tells us that God made men and women, boys and girls, to be friends with him. He created us to know him  personally. But he also made us free to choose how to live – to follow his ways, or to go our own way.

Throughout Old Testament times, God gave commandments to help his people follow him, then he sent prophets to point them in the right direction. Each time, the people rebelled and did what they wanted.

FITNESS THAT LASTS

So, his fi nal answer was to send his son Jesus. He showed us how to live, and in his death on the cross and resurrection three days later, broke the grip of sin and death, bringing forgiveness and new life for all who believe.

For physical fi tness, we need a sensible diet and regular exercise.

For spiritual fi tness, we need the forgiveness and new life only Jesus can bring.

Find out more by talking to the person who gave you this booklet, by visiting your local church or by going to www.christianity.org.uk