I Corinthians 12: 1. The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with CHRIST. For we were all baptized by one SPIRIT into one body…. [New International translation]
Scripture Discussed
Most scholars agree that 1 Corinthians is one of Paul’s letters (i.e., epistles) to the church in Corinth. It is written to Sosthenes, whose name in Greek means “Safe in Strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:1) Sosthenes was the chief ruler of the synagogue in Corinth. He was a believer. (Act 18:17) Paul considered Sosthenes a brother.
1 Corinthians 12:1 discusses an often-used analogy in the New Testament. The church is described as “the body” and CHRIST as “the head.” Believers are “the members” of the body. Just as the vine has many members or branches, so it is with “the body of CHRIST,” “the church.” CHRIST is the “THE TRUE VINE” (John 15). HE gives life to the church. Like a vine bringing together many branches, (i.e., the individual members of the church), we achieve this unity in CHRIST when we have a CHRIST-like mind and spirit (e.g., a CHRIST-like love, a CHRIST-like sympathy, a CHRIST-like humility, a CHRIST-like willingness to be kind to others despite unkind treatment from others when doing good).
Some of the scripture that discusses this “same mindedness” as CHRIST and unity include the following:
1 Peter 3:8
And now this word to all of you: You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. [Living Bible translation]
Philippians 2:2-5
[M]ake my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of CHRIST JESUS. [New International translation]
Colossians 3:14
Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony. [Living Bible translation]
Exercising The Parts – Part I - Squats
The human body is made up of a number of muscle groups or parts. Some of the major muscle groups in a body include:
| Major Muscle Group | Location |
| Abdominal | Stomach |
| Biceps | Front of upper arm |
| Deltoids | Top of shoulder |
| Erector Spinae | Low back |
| Gastrocnemius & Soleus | Back of lower leg |
| Gluteus | Buttocks (i.e., glutes) |
| Hamstrings | Thigh – back |
| Latissimus Dorsi & Rhomboids |
Back - Lats are the large triangular muscle in the midback. Rhomboids are between the shoulder blades. |
| Obliques | Side of body |
| Pectoralis | Front of upper chest |
| Quadriceps | Thigh –front (i.e., quads) |
| Trapezius | Large muscle in upper and mid-back |
| Triceps | Back of upper arm |
Squats
WebMD calls squats “a winner” because they work several muscle groups, including the quads, the hamstrings, and the glutes. In “7 Reasons Why You Should Do Squats Every Day,” it was noted that some fitness experts recommend squats as the one exercise you should do if you have no time to do anything else. In that same article, Dr. Christian Stepien, a sports therapist and chronic pain expert stated, “Daily squats will help you mentally and will give you better yearly check-ups with your primary physician.” See, “7 Reasons Why You Should Do Squats Every Day,” https://www.theactivetimes.com/fitness/your-first-time/7-reasons-why-you-should-do-squats-every-day In addition to the aforementioned muscle groups, squats build up your leg muscles, your calves, they help improve your muscle mass and help activate your back muscles.
They also help strengthen your core.
HOW TO DO A SQUAT
Some of the basic instructions for doing a squat (including some of the precautions) often include the following:
- Stand up straight with your feet a little wider than hip-width, toes facing front.
- Drive your hips back—bending at the knees and ankles and pressing your knees slightly open—as you were sitting in a chair. Try to keep your knees in line with your toes. Your weight should be evenly distributed on three points of your feet (heel, outside ball of the feet, and inside the ball of the feet). However, don’t allow your knees to go too far forward. You don’t want your knees to extend past your toes.
- Sit into a squat position while still keeping your heels and toes on the ground, chest up, and shoulders back. Don’t look down; remember, keep your chest up. Find a spot on the wall and focus on it.
- Strive to eventually reach parallel, meaning knees are bent to a 90-degree angle. If you have knee issues don’t go deeper than 90-degrees. If you have a medical condition, consult your physician about whether squats are the right exercise for you.
- Press into your heels and straighten your legs to return to a standing upright position. Don’t lock your knees when you stand upstart. Also, don’t lean backward. Also, keep your body tight and focus on tightening your core as you push back up through your heels.
- Repeat. WebMD suggests 12-15 reps with good form. See if you can add a squat per day or per workout setting a specific goal for yourself, depending on your age, medical condition, and stamina.
HOW TO DO A CHAIR SQUAT
Some simple instructions for a chair squat may include the following.
- Stand in front of a sturdy chair with your feet shoulder-width apart. You may want to put the back of the legs of the chair against a wall to prevent the chair from moving.
- Put your arms across your chest with your hands touching your shoulders. [Or extend your hands straight ahead with your palms facing down.]
- Push your hips backward, bend your knees and lower yourself down slowly to sit down on the chair.
- From here, lean forwards at the hips with a straight back, push down into your heels, and slowly stand up straight.
- Do this for a series of repetitions and keep your breathing normal and back straight.
Other Visual of a chair squat:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Pg2PeH9U_Y&feature=emb_title
If you have any health issues or balance problems or medical issues, consult your physician before beginning a new exercise program or ask your personal physician about squats. You may also consider working out with a trainer. Remember, every visual exercise may not be right for you. So, if you have a medical condition or concerns, consult your personal physician.
One Body
It is sometimes easy to forget that this is the only body we get. It is our duty to take care of this body and each of its members, for our own sake and for those we love. Equally important, we need to remember to take care of all the various members of our society (i.e., the homeless, the mentally ill, those in prison, those in need) because GOD mandates that we love one another. There are many parts.
Love GOD, love yourself, love one another, and BE BLESSED.
