The Power of Gold
In his mid-1970’s hit, The Power of Gold, singer and songwriter Dan Fogelberg wrote, “balance the cost of the soul you lost with the dreams you lightly sold-are you under the power of gold?” How prophetic he was. In these modern times, the quest for money and all it can give seems to be the ultimate goal for many. How soon we forget, unless we become sick or injured, that this vessel we call a body is one of God’s greatest gifts to us.
Just drive through your neighborhood to see how diligently so many people toil at their jobs, at the upkeep of their house, yard and vehicles, yet how slothful they are in the maintenance of their bodies. So many people, like Dan Fogelberg said, seem to be under the power and allure of gold. A wise person once stated that, “In his youth, a man will spend all of his health to gain wealth and as he ages, a man will then spend all of his wealth to regain his health.” There is nothing wrong with money or wealth, we all want to do as well as we can for our families, but sometimes we do so at the expense of our very spiritual and physical lives.
Fitness is a great equalizer. Sure, some people are naturally faster or stronger than others, but the real challenge is not against another person but against you. Are you as fit and healthy as you can be? Like the widow in the book of Mark who gave but a penny-however a penny was all she had. Yes, money can buy an expensive gym membership, a high dollar personal trainer, or a fancy pair of running shoes but in the end, it’s all up to you. The quest for a fit, healthy body and mind begins with a mental change, a behavioral change, as psychologists would say. Just like quitting a bad habit such as smoking, starting (and keeping) a fitness oriented lifestyle means making sacrifices. You must live by avoiding overeating, without drugs, with moderate (if any) alcohol consumption, with proper sleep, and by exercising week after week, year after year-for the rest of your life! Going to the gym after a hard day’s work and avoiding a cheeseburger and fries are easier said than done.
Every single day, the TV, newspaper, and radio report ever increasing health problems in our world. We need a pill to go to bed and one to get up, one to be happy, one to not be so hungry, and another for sexual problems. Obesity, diabetes, and heart problems are at an all time high and someone is always there to sell you something to cure them. Look no further; the real cure is staring you right in the face.
So quit putting off your new fitness routine until whatever happens. Until after the holiday season, until the kids are out of school, until the weather gets warmer. Those are excuses and you know it. The rest of your life starts today!
“The story is told of the
Power of gold
And its lure on the unsuspecting
It glitters and shines
It badgers and blinds
And constantly needs protecting.Balance the cost of the soul you lost
With the dreams you lightly sold
Are you under
The power of gold?”
——Dan Fogelberg