Warrior Fitness

"An active mind cannot exist in an inactive body.” Gen. George S. Patton. I’d add to this that an active spirit can’t exist in an inactive body either. 

Physical fitness is integral to spiritual growth.  Our spirits cannot ascend to celestial glory without our bodies.  Our bodies are the temple where our spirit dwells.  It is our duty and obligation to care for that temple (indeed I could argue that learning to care for our physical bodies is a key part of our earthly test).  Being physically fit will see spiritual rewards as well as physical because our bodies and spirits function as one.  This becomes readily apparent when you get out and push yourself on a run or bike ride.  As  your body craves rest and ease, your spirit pushes it on.  It is an amazing experience that many don’t believe until they put it to the test.

Take a look at any real world WARRIOR training program and they all begin and end with PT (Physical Training).  An effective warrior must be fit.  He cannot function otherwise.

LDS SEAL's?

Why Warriors?

"But, Bro. Peters, aren’t warriors blood-thirsty killers & adrenaline junkies that get a thrill out of hurting people?"

Well...NO…they are not.

Let me tell you a personal story.

In my line of work, I have to occasion to work with members of the United States Military organizations.  Across the board I have been impressed with the level of professionalism, respect and genuine kindness they have shown to me and my co-workers.  They are some of the finest people I’ve ever met.  I sincerely wish that more of us would be like them.

Visit from a General

Last night I had the chance to attend an awesome priesthood meeting and listen to some choice words from Major General Brain Tarbot, Adjunct General of the Utah National Guard & an awesome Priesthood Warrior.  He spoke to us about putting on the Armor of God and told stories about his service and the fine young men that he has worked with over the years.  It was a truly inspirational evening.  Some of the highlights that he shared were:

• He spoke about real armor on people, vehicles and fortifications then compared that to the spiritual armor that we must dress in daily.
• He shared his insights on war and what we learn about it from the Book of Mormon. 

In the October General Conference of 2008, Elder James Hamula stated the following "Now my young friends of the Aaronic Priesthood, you are the valiant and noble sons of our Father! You are the strength of his house, you are his WARRIORS".

That statement really struck a chord with me.  That word WARRIOR stuck in my brain and when the talk was published I noticed a footnote next to this word that led to D&C 101:55 and D&C 105: 16.  They both are almost identical in their wording and say "...the strength of my house, my WARRIORS, my young men, and they that are middle aged..." these WARRIORS are to do the work of the Lord on the earth...in other words; it's you and it's me and all the brethren of the priesthood.  We are his WARRIORS.

So what does that mean?