Physical Tip by Ben Adams

You lost your right to be unfit when you made your oath of office.

In Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, he describes the focused training of a professional that refuses to fail because of his or her lack of training. Paul suggests that runners don’t aimlessly wander, and boxers don’t simply shadow box. He indicates that the professional is focused and determined in their training so as not to be disqualified because of his or her lack of effort.

Although Paul is using athletics to illustrate his desire for spiritual fitness and wisdom, one can reasonably apply this example to nearly every aspect of life. Especially as it pertains to a job where all facets of fitness are paramount to not only your success and survival but the success and survival of those around you as well.

Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, the “Lone Survivor” of Operation Red Wing, survived one of the most extraordinary circumstances in modern warfare. In a speech to the University of Alabama football team, he spoke to those who think they want to bring the fight to him and his brothers and sisters, stating “you better pray to God you’ve put the work in, because I know I have.” Mr. Luttrell understands that when people depend on you, you must outwork your opponent every chance you get.

It’s not about you anymore. When you swore in, you took an oath to protect the lives of your brothers and sisters in law enforcement, and the lives of the civilian population to which you are now subordinate.

The point: Train as if your life and those around you depend on it.

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” 

– 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 New Living Translation