Being an introvert may seem like an obstacle in a culture that equates success with the go-getter traits of an extrovert. With such a temperament, it can be easy to feel like you are not living up to your potential. On the other hand, if you are an extrovert, you may long for more clarity and more meaningful times of introspection. Either way, we have to remember that we all have our part to play in the Kingdom of God. Does the eye tell the hand that it has no need of it (1 Corinthians 12:18-27)? We all have our own gifts, skills, abilites, and interests. We must press on to recognize them and strive to use them in an honorable way. Therefore, it does not matter whether we define ourselves as being more introverted or extroverted because, at the end of the day, those categories do not give us our identity; Christ does, and He calls us His sheep (John 10:11-18).
“EVEN WHEN WE ARE “IN OUR ZONE” WORKING OUT, WE MUST REMEMBER THAT UNDERNEATH THAT TOUGH EXTERIOR COVER, WE ARE SHEEP IN NEED OF THE GOOD SHEPARD.”
In the context of the Bible, sheep are many times referring to God’s people. This is what it means to be gym sheep rather than gym rats; and if God’s sheep, then God’s child. Being a child of God is a privilege, and we must therefore treat that title with utmost respect (John 1:12). Every person is made in the image of God, yes. However, only those who receive and believe on the name of Jesus inheret the adoption as children. God is the Good Shepard, and we are the sheep. As a child of God, this is true in every moment and through every season of life . . . even at the gym . . . even through our winters of life.
In every setting, we have to remember the truly important virtues in life (Galatians 5:22-23). These cannot be pushed to the side just because we are going to the gym. Many people go to the gym regularly to relieve stress, to have some sense of control in a world full of uncertainty, or to engage with like-minded people. Our faith should be both solidified and edifying through such motives. If you go to the gym to relieve stress, remember that there are probably others there for the same reason, and you know where ultimate peace is found (Philippians 4:6-7). If you go to the gym to capture a sense of control, you know you can trust the One who is working all things together (Romans 8:28). If you go to the gym to engage with others, remember that iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Hopefully, in addition to helping you grow in your faith, thinking this way will fill you with a greater sense of purpose for going to the gym consistently.
Even though sheep are regarded as being timid, and lack protection from predators, they have an invaluable intrinsic worth (1). We should see ourselves in the same light. Underneath all of the pride, we are plagued by timidity and are all too susceptible to exposure by countless factors, because nobody knows what the future holds (Ecclesiastes 8:7). Yet, God gives us our strength and protection, even when we don’t deserve such gifts (Psalm 28:7). Even when we are “in our zone” working out, we must remember that underneath that tough exterior cover, we are sheep in need of the Good Shepard. The people around us at the gym are in need of the Good Shepard too, even if they are not yet willing to admit that they are as vulnerable as a sheep underneath all of that muscle and apparel. Maybe their wool has grown out so much that they forgot who they truly are. Whatever the case, maybe they simply need to see a gym sheep instead of a gym rat to prompt a new response. We can fulfill that role, knowing that we are led along by the good shepard through every terrain. So, if you go to the gym, fulfill the call of being a gym sheep (Matthew 10:16).
