Core Strength!

The core is everything, isn't it?  No, I'm not referring to the core of an apple.  I'm talking about your core. Your middle.  The area everyone tries to improve through sit-ups, crunches, pilates and the like.  The area many (including this girl) would love to be able to spot reduce. When I began running I had no idea how important this area of my body was to well, just about everything.  A weak core can lead to poor form which can lead to injuries in the legs. When the core is ignored one can find oneself dealing with an achy back.  And as if to add insult to injury a tired core (like at the end of a hard or long race) can lead to slumping which is like carrying a sign on your back that announces to all around you, "Hi!  I'm really tired!  Maybe I should have trained harder."  Even playing the Wii Fit Plus I am reminded of how important core work is as I try to shift my balance from side to side in an attempt to dodge snowballs, soccer balls or stand in Tree Pose without hearing, "Your legs are a little shaky." How do you stand in Tree Pose without your feet shaking a little?  Personally, I think I'm pretty steady. Sigh ... even my balance is tied into my core. 

Yes, the core is everything in fitness and so it is in life. Take a look at yourself.  First, can you identify your core?  Do you know what you stand on?  What do you center your life around?  Who keeps you balanced in this topsy turvey world?  For me, it's Jesus Christ. It is He I stand on.  It is He I center my life around.  It is He who keeps me balanced.  But just as in running sometimes I let myself get lazy about doing what it takes to keep a strong core.  I don't feel like doing crunches.  Can't I get by with just running?  My form won't suffer too much, will it?  Famous last words. 

Jesus knew we would need help keeping our core strong in this world so he gave us exercises.  We have the Bible, prayer, worship, church and spiritual gifts. All of these areas are meant to strengthen our core belief and reliance upon Jesus.  If we utilize them we will have energy in our spiritual walk.  Better, we won't finish the race slumped over with a sign that reads, "I'm tired!"  Rather, we'll run across the finish line of life shouting "Victory!"  I don't want to hear God say, "You missed so much I had for you.  You should have trained harder."  I want to hear him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant.  You trained well!" 

So how do I train my spiritual core?  First, I need to recognize that I have and need a core within the core.  What does that mean?  It means I need a core group of fellow believers.  This begins with my  church.  The church would be considered the overall core muscle. If I go to church regularly, worship with other believers and listen to the message I will grow stronger in my walk with God.  However, the core has varying levels and degrees of muscle, doesn't it?  Stretch one way we work this set of muscles, stretch another and you work another set of muscles.  All muscles need to be utilized for the core to be considered truly strong. This means I need to develop relationships with the people in my church.  I need to find a core group of friends I can be honest and real with and who will hold me accountable.  I need to reach deep and work muscles that won't necessarily be strengthened if I keep to the outer edges of the church. 

What is another way to dig deep into church?  I need to be active and involved.  Walking the outer edges will work the heart and make me healthier than if I were to stay home and sit on the couch but to truly reap the benefits I need to step up the game.  I need to figure out what my gifts are (spiritual and otherwise) and use them!  I need to run into the church, through its halls and into the areas that are in need of help.  Children's ministry?  You bet!  I've run a marathon.  I can keep up with those kids.  Women's programs?  Bring it on!  We'll do sit-ups together.  Worship Team?  In a heartbeat! I can sing and dance at the same time!  Clean-up duty?  I work out.  I can lift and stack chairs with the best of them. 

There's another reason I need to help my church.  Not only does it strengthen me but it allows others to rest.  What happens when our core is weak and we run hard and long?  That's right, we begin to slump.  If only a few people are doing all the work at church those few will eventually grow weary.  If no one else is around to step up the church will begin to slump.  A slumping church is not part of God's design.  We're to be energetic!  When people hear us talk about the joy of the Lord it goes a lot farther if we've enough energy to act joyful.   A healthy church is full of healthy believers.  Are you contributing to the health of your church?

Why not take a moment to look at your current core strength.  How are you doing?  What does your church look like?  Are you attending?  Are you involved?  Do you have friends who know you and are a part of your life?  How are you doing in your prayer life and bible study?  Do you take time to worship?  These are indicators of the strength of your core.  And remember, a strong core leads to a stronger run both in life and on the road.