Preachers are getting in shape. Social media is littered with pictures of preachers exercising to get or keep their weight under control and live healthy lives. Way cool!
But even as I cheer them on, there's a twinge of jealousy. In the crucible of my schedule, I often neglect to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen. The jealousy becomes guilt when I go online and view the workout accomplishments of exercising preachers who challenge me, as they say, to "get it in."
It's a challenge I need to hear. I once read about a preacher who worked himself to death. On his deathbed, he lamented, "God gave me a message and a horse. I have killed the horse! What will happen to the message?"
Of course, the message will continue to go forth without us. But we should be faithful stewards of our bodies to be faithful stewards of the opportunity we have to herald the Word of God. Paul wrote, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
Who's calling us to holiness of lifestyle, fidelity of doctrine, and unity of fellowship?
These words are often cited to impress upon us the priority of physical health. This is an appropriate application of Paul's words. Yet it is not the primary point of the passage. 1 Cor. 6:19-20 exhorts us to be holy, not just healthy.
Physical exercise has its place (unless it is done out of personal vanity). But the larger context shows the priority is on holiness. "Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come" (1 Tim. 4:7-8).
I am jealous of the #HealthyPreacherMovement. I see preachers encourage one another to get in shape and celebrate healthy lifestyle choices. It motivates me to do better. It also makes we wish we did more to encourage one another to holiness of lifestyle, fidelity of doctrine, and unity of fellowship.
Friends push me to take care of myself so I will have many years to preach the gospel. I appreciate the concern. But for every preacher you hear about dying from obesity, there are scores more stories of preachers who lose their pulpits because of the destructive forces of sex, money, and power.
There are stresses and struggles in ministry we cannot share with members of our churches. We need other preachers we can be honest, share our hurts, and pray with. (This should come after spiritual partnership with our wives, of course.) May the Lord help us to be better friends to one another. And remember, your best friends are the ones that make you better.
This kind of fellowship, counsel, and accountability should transcend ministry issues. We need people in our lives to ask us tough questions about our personal lives and then look us in the eye and ask, "Is any part of the answer you just gave me a lie?"
A #HolyPreacherMovement does not need to be posted on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. But we do need a movement to challenge one another to live our message so we do not become ministerial casualties that give the Bride of Christ a black eye.
"Practice these things; immerse yourself in them so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers"(1 Tim. 4:15-16, ESV).
H.B. Charles, Jr. is pastor of Shiloh Metropolitan Church, Jacksonville, Florida.
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