Regardless, we increasingly are aware of and alert to the necessities of physical activity if we are to be fit to lead. Fitness, in this case, is not tied to one’s body type, weights (or measures) or how many miles a leader can run (or how fast). Rather, this has to do with finding those activities that can give us a modicum of energies and health. Diet certainly could be included, as could proper rest and recuperation.
There have been many times inmy 35+ years of ministry when I’ve learned these valuable lessons—times when I have not taken proper care of myself, when I have allowed the demands (and requests) of ministry to consume my life and energies—but I also have learned that the longevity in ministry requires a proper balance of all of the above and that attention needs to be given to my overall health and fitness if I am to be at my best. After all, I cannot give what I do not have, and you can’t either.
So, what’s the point? The point is, we are people, and people need to remain healthy in order to function. As leaders, we can be examples of proper fitness, diet and rest to our respective communities of faith. We can lead the way.
Take a few moments right now to consider your overall fitness to lead. Are you getting enough exercise? What do you enjoy doing? Are you eating properly? Are you restless—or rested? How you answer these questions can inform what steps you need to take to be a more active and fit leader. It might be a gym membership, or you might need a health coach or nutritionist. Perhaps a visit to the library is in order (to pick up some cookbooks for eating more healthfully). You might begin by considering the call of God in your life and the necessity of taking care of yourself if you are to be your best, and at your best for God and others.
Your life may depend upon it, but so might the lives of others!
