Should the weight of pastors be addressed?

[Ascetic X]

I wonder about gluttony, regardless of weight. Some can over eat without gaining weight (I was one of those at one time). But it seems the problem is self-indulgence (a mind set on the flesh) regardless of the lust.

I have seen and known a lot of overweight people. In fact, I am one . For some it is gluttony. But in my experience this is not the case with most. Often it is food choices, but normally (again, just from my experience) it is a combination of factors not assiciated with overeating.


I will use myself as an example (it is certainly safer than using anybody else).

I normally do not overeat. But working swing shift my food choices are not the best. I went from running 3 times a day to knee surgery, two bad knees and a bad back (I fractured my back). When I walk it sounds like I am walking on bubble wrap. That part is kinda neat, to be honest. Throw in 12.5 hour swing shifts and you have the perfect recipe for me.

Now, those are reasons and not excuses. I know I should develop a method to eat better foods, and to exercise more. My point is we have to be careful judging others by appearance.

But still, being obese means something probably needs to be improved, some sort of temple maintenance.

Aside from thyroid issues, obesity indicates the possibility of overeating, too much fattening food, lack of sufficient exercise, sloth, hedonism.

This should not result in us judging and condemning obese people, but they should confront their problem and try to deal with it. Especially if they are a Christian, and even more so if in a ministry position.

 

[Deacon]

So is the conclusion that large pastors should spend more time serving tables and less time studying God's word? (Acts 6)

Rob

 

[Ascetic X]

So is the conclusion that large pastors should spend more time serving tables and less time studying God's word? (Acts 6)

Rob

Overweight pastors should do diligent temple maintenance, like eating less food, avoiding fattening foods, exercise.

Studying the Word won’t help the pastor’s congregation if, through neglect of his body, the pastor dies from an obesity related illness.

The choice is not between serving tables and studying God’s Word.

The choice is between honoring the body God gave you vs. not keeping it healthy.

 

[JonC]

But still, being obese means something probably needs to be improved, some sort of temple maintenance.

Maybe. I gained weight when I fractured my back and had to have knee replacement. Mobility and meds work against me.

Before this I ran 3 times a day, for an hour each time. Probably why I had to have knee replacement

 

[Ascetic X]

Maybe. I gained weight when I fractured my back and had to have knee replacement. Mobility and meds work against me.

Before this I ran 3 times a day, for an hour each time. Probably why I had to have knee replacement

I’m sorry you experienced knee trouble. I broke my lower back twice in the 1990s, but my knees, calves, ankles were fine…until I slipped on black ice last December and broke my left hip and left shoulder. Now my right knee is stiff, my calves are tight, and my ankles are stiff.

I used to have a dog that I took on long hikes through the nearby park’s nature trails, and walked 5 miles or more often, with no problem.

So now, since my catastrophic fall, being less active, I have gained weight. I walk 100 laps around my driveway or livingroom every day, to try to stay fit. I also do a lot of physical therapy home exercises daily.

 

[JonC]

I’m sorry you experienced knee trouble. I broke my lower back twice in the 1990s, but my knees, calves, ankles were fine…until I slipped on black ice last December and broke my left hip and left shoulder. Now my right knee is stiff, my calves are tight, and my ankles are stiff.

I used to have a dog that I took on long hikes through the nearby park’s nature trails, and walked 5 miles or more often, with no problem.

So now, since my catastrophic fall, being less active, I have gained weight. I walk 100 laps around my driveway or livingroom every day, to try to stay fit. I also do a lot of physical therapy home exercises daily.

Thanks. My weight is dropping now. I walk.

My gain was for not bring active (one can't go from running to not doing much with your body saying "hey, 'sup?").

I am not what I would call obese (although I probably would be by medical standards...the Army wanted me no heaven than 205 lbs, at that time I was 210 but also too skinny....I am tall).

Still, I need to loose about 50 lbs. (I have been loosing about 3 lbs a week since being able to exercise again).

 

[Salty]

A few years ago - I lost 30 pounds in 4 days.
OK - I was in the hospital -for that purpose - and I was on medication.
Most of the weight I lost was water weight.

Since those 30 pounds I have lost - I have lost another 20-30 pounds over time.

BUT -
When I go to the State fair and I play the "Guess your weight" I always win - they are normally about 20 pounds off!

 

[JonC]

When I go to the State fair and I play the "Guess your weight" I always win - they are normally about 20 pounds off!

Over or under?

 

[Salty]

Over or under?

They think I weigh less than I actually do!
NY State fair starts in about 2 weeks!