Feats of Strength

I read a recent article about Princeton Seminary student Ryan Bonfiglio. Ryan is an outstanding scholar who earned an undergraduate degree in Chemistry before starting his theology studies. He will be undertaking a Ph.D. in the near future, but he also has shown his prowess in a variety of physical activities. He was hired by Princeton as an assistant wrestling coach and just recently earned the status of Guinness World Record holder for doing 3,432 pushups in an hour. In addition to the pushup record, he holds the world pull-up record for 507 pull-ups in one hour. He also ran his first marathon in 2 hours forty-nine minutes and once hiked 50 miles and climbed fourteen peaks in New Hampshire’s White Mountains in a single day.
Balancing the athletic side, Ryan is an astute biblical scholar and has self-published his own Hebrew grammar. Ryan’s efforts should remind us all that life needs physical, mental and spiritual activity. Our lives need wholeness and appropriate aims and positive challenges.
The Apostle Paul wrote to his young friend Timothy about the importance of having a “spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” Each one of us shares the opportunity of such characteristics as we acknowledge the unique purpose and grace brought to us through faith in Jesus Christ. Whatever you age or ability, consider the “good treasure” entrusted to you. Let your faith and love distinguish your life in every expression.