One of the things I am most passionate about is something that is considered odd in the circle of church: bodybuilding. I enjoy it because it’s not just a workout but a true art. Like an artist sculpting a statue or a painter creating a masterpiece, we get to sculpt our bodies and, more importantly, our minds. The gym has taught me so much about life, the importance of discipline, persistence, and giving it your all in everything you do. A bodybuilder named Tom Platz was famous for his intense workouts. He said something that I hold onto as a husband and pastor: “Never leave the gym a loser; always give everything you’ve got and leave a winner, knowing that you gave it your all.”

 

This reminds me of Jesus. His unapologetic passion for people showed in his countless hours of ministry, his work ethic as a carpenter, his miracles, his presence in conversations, and his ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Jesus lived a sacrificial life in which every teaching, thought, and action was done with him giving everything he had. Jesus worked through fatigue because of his passion and love for people. This changed countless of lives. Colossians 3:23-24 states:

 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

 

Advent, we are called to be broken bread and poured out wine for others. This means that our life is no longer our own. Part of that is embracing fatigue because that’s where we see God’s power truly at work. In our lives, we often focus on protecting ourselves from fatigue, whether emotional or spiritual. Instead, God calls us not just to look at Him on the cross but to join Him on it. Let us give everything Jesus gave us; his love, grace, and encouragement in every conversation, work day, and time with our loved ones despite fatigue.

 

What would happen in your life if you had this mindset? I guarantee you you would make a significant impact on the lives of others and more opportunities to share the gospel and win souls for Christ. As my old army unit would say “Give all or give nothing.”