Participation Of Churches

Northern Advocate, 20 February 1939, Page 8

Participation Of Churches

Spiritual Athletics

The inauguration of Fitness Week was the subject of special services at local churches yesterday. At the Presbyterian Church, the Boys’ Brigade and the Girls’ Life Brigade were on parade, and the church was fulL The hymns and prayers were suitable for the occasion.

In the course of his sermon, the Rev. W. Elliott said that a Government may do much by way of giving its citizens relief from the mere drudgery of life, so that more leisure will be available and a higher standard of living possible. But to stop there would be to fail lamentably. To give leisure and means, without some effort to develop a character that will use them well, is to put a power in the hands of those who do not know how to use it, and such may be a real menace to wellbeing. History has many lessons to teach us of the folly of doing this. The ships that brought wealth to Solomon, and to Carthage, and to Greece, and \o Spain, brought with them ruin, because with ease and gluttony the people- declined, and there set in a physical and moral decay. We do not want less prosperity, but we want stronger souls, so that that prosperity may be wisely used. Hence, in order that our prosperity and increased leisure and better distribution of wealth may be a blessing, and not a danger, it is but fitting that some attempt should be made by the State to strengthen the character *of its citizens, physically, mentally and lyIt is damaging to character and life to see strong, vigorous, healthy young men and women constantly watching sport, instead of playing.

In some of the Dictator States in Europe to-day, all fit young people are compelled to play. They may make their choice as to what games they play, and usually the element of compulsion is forgotten in the interest of the game. In Democracies such as ours we do not use compulsion; rather, we seek to persuade; and it is in the interests of good citizenship and enrichment of character that sports and civic bodies, and the churches, should respond to the appeal that is now being made. The Apostle Paul was fond of using athletic figures. He refers to the contests of the gymnasium, and speaks of the boxing match, and the runner, and striving and fighting. He realised that physical exercise was necessary for the production of an all-round personality and a strong, virtuous manhood and womanhood. But he emphasises this point: that physical development is a means to an end, and not an end in itself. The end was spiritual and mental and physical power in a good, well-developed life. Therefore, any training or discipline cr privation in life must be for this larger good. Character does not coma about automatically. It requires a constant self-discipline. Hence, bodily exercise and fitness is not an end in itself, but a stepping-stone towards a fuller and richer and better life. Writing to Timothy, Paul said: “Do not neglect your bodily health." Take daily exercise. Go to the gymnasium. But, lie goes on: Spiritual exercise is better, for it is good for both worlds—the world that now is. and that which is to come.

Therefore, keep your soul in training, as well as your body. Be sure that you are in a good spiritual condition, so that you may be ready for the strain and effort life is sure to demand. Some people think that the athletic ideal is developed to excess in those days. That is not the Apostolic teaching. Many people recognise that body and mind need exercise in order to grow, but they look on the soul as a sort of invalid which must be shelter-

ed and protected. Now, the Apostolic doctrine is this: Apply the athletic method to the development of the soul. Don't forget your daily devotions. Do not neglect the hour of worship. This will strengthen and exercise the deeper life, and thus contribute towards a rich, mature personality. # “Be strong. We are not here to play, to dream, to drift, We have hard work to do. and loads to lift. Shun not the struggle; face it, 'tis God's gift. Be strong.”