The Image: Part 1

I have grown to enjoy physical activity and exertion.  It started last year in April.  A friend of mine, Steve, asked if I wanted to do P90X with him.  Of course I had seen the commercials-Tony Horton and other similarly small and fit human beings doing a nauseating amount of pull-ups, push-ups and a self-mutilating workout called Ab-Ripper X.  For the record P90X lives up to the hype.  It helped me get into the mindset that exercise is what I enjoy.  These workout provided me with a base fitness to get into the endurance sport of triathlon.
During many of my workouts I have to give myself pep talks.  Sounds a bit strange, but it works.  Some words that have always pressed me to go a little further and to dig a little deeper are: warrior, monster, and animal.  Take a moment to laugh-I know you are.
Recently I came across a verse in scripture:

Isaiah 42:13

The LORD will march out like a mighty man,

like a warrior he will stir up his zeal,

with a shout he will raise the battle cry

and will triumph over his enemies.

When I think of great warriors I think of William Wallace, Maximus, King Leonidas you know these men that I am talking about.  Their battle cries turn the blood of their enemies cold.  They ignite passion and inspiration in the legions that follow them.  Who doesn't get chills when William Wallace gives his freedom speech?
God is like these men, only so much greater-and we were made in His image.  I was asked the other day, "Why am I here, what is my purpose in life?"  The Westminster Confession say this "Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever."  At risk of being cliche-Imitation is the great form of flattery.  In other words-to glorify God, I will try to imitate Him
I was created in the image of God so when I seek the heart of a warrior I seek the heart of God.  One who is never willing to back down, give up, or sell out.  When my body grows weary I remember that I was made in the image of the eternal.