Who Said It
Shane Idleman

Shane Idleman says his worst years were his late 20s, even though he was advancing in a fast-growing fitness company. Driven for the wrong reasons and passionate for the wrong things, he wound up feeling empty.

Searching the pages of a Bible shelved long before led Shane to trust in Christ. He began publicly expressing his belief, and walked away from his lucrative position to write a "What Works" series of books. Now 38, Shane is the CEO and co-founder of WhyDietsDontWork.com.

What He Said
Real Strength

In my early 20s, I believed I was a man because I could bench press over 400 pounds, drink a 12-pack of beer, and win most fights I was in. I failed to realize that I was weak inside. I didn't have control of my desires—my desires controlled me.

When I read about Christ's life, years later, I realized that branding Christianity a faith for the weak was completely wrong. Who but Jesus would say, "No one can take my life from me. I lay down my life voluntarily" (John 10:18)? Who else facing death could say to Pilate, "You have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above" (John 19:11)? Who but Jesus, when hanging on a cross, severely beaten, would say of his accusers, "Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34)? Christianity doesn't represent weakness, the absence of strength, but meekness, strength under control.

Adapted from What Works for Men (El Paseo, 2004) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, cause me to increasingly align my desires with Your good, pleasing, and perfect will.

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