How does a Spiritual Ironman love God? With every ounce of his being! Listen to Jesus’ answer and explanation as to which of the commandments are the greatest: “and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30 (NASB) He is admonishing us to love God with our emotions (heart), our inner-man (soul), our intellect (mind), and our actions (strength). Loving God involves all of these expressions. Let us look at each of these individually.

Loving God With Our Emotions (Heart)

I have often heard that men don’t show or act emotional. If this is true, why are so many men so passionate about a football or baseball game? I still cry at the end of the movie Armageddon when Bruce Willis’ character tells his daughter he will not keep his promise to her of returning home after the mission. A Spiritual Ironman loves God with all his emotions (heart).

Loving God With Our Inner Man (Soul)

David, the warrior king, knew what it was like to love The Lord with his inner man (Soul). He cries out, “And my soul shall rejoice in the Lord; It shall exult in His salvation.” Psalms 35:9 (NASB) A Spiritual Ironman loves God with his inner man (soul).

Loving God With Our Intellect (Mind)

Too many men allow their intellect to keep them from loving God. There is nothing wrong with thinking. As a matter of fact, every man should practice thinking before speaking; it will save you many a heart ache. However, you should never allow your intellect to keep you from loving God. A Spiritual Ironman loves with all his intellect (mind).

Loving God With Our Actions (Strength)

Everything we do in life as men should demonstrate our love for God; at work, play, rest, and even struggles, people should see that we love God. Because a Spiritual Ironman loves God with all his actions (strength).

Your Iron Coach,
Bishop Jemmott