A Montrealer has been named the ‘Fittest Man on Earth.’ That’s quite the title and I was interested in knowing how or who could determine this kind of distinction. Jeffery Adler won the title at the CrossFit Games, an annual championship for people involved with CrossFit gyms which offer high-intensity workouts. So, the pool of contestants for the title might have been a little limited.
To win he says that his daily routine was the same. For three to four hours in the morning, he trains, eats, and then naps. He repeats it in the evening and says he has little time for anything else. This goes to show that if you want to be the fittest man in the world, you need to be focused.
Of course, that’s just the title CrossFit gave him. They defined what a fit person looks like. Other gyms and programs might have other ideas. There are other titles to be won, like Miss Universe, the fastest runner in 100 meters, best actress, world billiards champion, and most successful CEO. Even Moses was called the humblest man on the face of the earth. (Numbers 12:3)
To achieve something of note involves natural ability for sure. And hard work. But mostly one needs to be intentional about moving towards a goal. I don’t think there is anything wrong with devoting yourself to pursuing some development goals or achievements. As long as we don’t miss what is really important. As followers of Christ, what should we be devoting ourselves to?
Paul makes a simple and clear proclamation in Colossians 4:2 that is worth noting: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” What a simple reminder about taking events and happenings in our life before God. I’m sure that I will never win the ‘most prayerful man in the World’ award. But I do want to be more intentional about my prayer life. Some things are temporal and will soon be forgotten. Some things are eternal and worth pursuing.