In February 2016, I started an amazing fitness journey with a popular program called CrossFit. The purpose of CrossFit is to forge elite fitness by providing cardiovascular and strength training to turn the body into a well-oiled machine. The physical exercises help the body function in the perfection in which God created it to function, but it is hard work.

Although the program was intimidating to me, I had an ounce of faith to give it a try. I discovered that every coach is different but they all have one thing in common, they listen and provide an assistive program that enables me to reach my daily goals.

I discovered, the coaches will meet you where you are.

Coach Ric always pushes me to go to the next level.

Coach Jen T. chooses the best “happy” music to work out to; she’s sweet as pie but firm.

I call Coach Jen N. the “Superstar”. She knows how to get everyone motivated and stay motivated to finish the workout of the day.

Then, there’s Coach Andrea who is no-nonsense. Her energy reminds me why I started CrossFit, which is exactly what I need to keep going.

It’s not uncommon to hear the coaches say during the workouts, “Keep going, Regina”; “You got this”; “You can do it”. These words alone always motivate me to finish strong.

CrossFit Shred program provides me the energy, motivation, and fitness education that I need to make my fitness dream a reality. It's the best fitness program that I've ever experienced.

In order for me to do CrossFit, there is a monthly membership fee. But, paying the membership fee alone does not give me all of the benefits of CrossFit.

I have to drive through 17 traffic lights one-way to get there; still, once I arrive, I must be ready to participate in the workout of the day.

I must be willing to commit to three workouts each week to get the results that I desire.

I have to forsake my desire to be complacent about working out and get up and head to the gym even when my body disagrees.

CrossFit means giving up some things that I love and desire so that I can get the physical training that I need to maintain good health.

It means following the instructions of expert trainers. It means making a choice to eat healthy so that I can live healthy.

As I pondered CrossFit on my drive home from Friday's workout, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Are You CrossFit”? Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

Now, the word “deny” means to restrain (oneself) from gratification of desires. But, Jesus went a step further. He said, “Take up his [your] cross and follow me”.

You see, the cross is not only a symbol of suffering and denying oneself, but the cross is a symbol of dying to one’s plans and desires, and turning your life over to God to do His will each and every day.

Are You CrossFit?

What are you willing to give in exchange for your soul?

For whoever would save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? (Matthew 16:25-26)

Are you willing to put your plans and desires to death in exchange for eternal life? Luke 14:27

Being CrossFit means to deny yourself from the thing(s) you love that interferes with your relationship with God.

God wants you to know that going through the motions of a Christian walk is not enough.

You may have confessed Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior but are you denying yourself of the things that you love?

You may believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, but are you ready to put the sin habits to death?

Are you making excuses not to attend God’s gym of regular worship service where you can obtain and maintain your spiritual CrossFit physique?

God wants us to do more than believe. I believe that CrossFit will help me get in shape but I cannot stop at just believing. I have to deny myself of some pleasures and commit to the program to get results.

God’s idea of CrossFit is for each of us to deny ourselves and put our plans to death and follow him. Notice when I go to the CrossFit gym, I follow the plans of the expert trainers. They have the instructions to help me get fit. But, I have to deny myself, put my plans to death, and follow the trainers.

Carrying his cross means putting your plans to death and following Him. Then, and only then are you CrossFit.

LET'S PRAY

Heavenly Father,

Thank you helping me to understand that I must deny myself daily and take up my cross and follow you.

Today, I deny myself from the _____________ that I love. I forsake my plans and my ways to follow your instructions for my life. God's way is perfect. God's word is tried.

Holy Spirit, help me to follow God's plan so that I may obtain and maintain my spiritual CrossFit physique, in the name of Jesus, amen.

~inspiring hope and seasoning faith,

Dr. Regina M. Daigre