Honoring the 7th Commandment

[FrancoColumbo]

Honoring the 7th Commandment

Brothers, With so much talk about increased sex drive when test levels increase I think we are forgetting about the big picture.
Does a guy throw away everything that is morally right because he has goals to increase his physique?

Bodybuilders get accused of being selfish as it is, why can't we be disciplined in other area's of our lives like we are with our training and diet?
What about God, family, and country?
Just because we have ambitions and dreams do we ignore our other oaths?
We can still honor our commitments before the Lord and with our wives.

Have we become so egotistical that we will throw away all the virtuous, time-proven institutions, all stable foundations, all for muscle and strength gain?
What about our children? Do we want to trash our families so we can have nice in shape bodies?
Not me!

I have been married to one wife for 33 years and we have 3 grown children and I have never cheated on my wife.
We must be careful when we are too self -focused because we are not only ripping muscle tissues but we are ripping the very fiber that holds our families,
our culture and our nation together; apart.
Lust, coveting, pride, selfishness are all destructive and we are supposed to be "builders"
We can still honor our covenants and be in great shape.
We can honor God's Commands and still be great in the gym and everywhere else.

Brothers, if you are married, stay married, if you are single and not ready to make a "lifelong commitment" don't get married.
We are not to be spoiled children, we are to be examples, disciplined athletes , the best at everything not just muscle and strength building.
Franco

[Igifuno]

Welcome to the board Franco... Is that you in the avy? If so, I'd love to hear about your training and diet regimen.

So where is all of this coming from? Are you just speaking in general terms based on your observations on the mindsets of your average bodybuilder? I think, as in any sport, any business, any group of friends, anywhere in the world, you're going to get all kinds of people with different lifestyles, different goals, and different standards of right and wrong.

I do not disagree that those who are married should be faithful, but I don't know that I agree that those who are in the bodybuilding lifestyle should be categorized as an unfaithful group of individuals and ignore their families just because we are focused on our bodies.

Statistically speaking 50% of marriages do not work, so I don't think we as a people have it figured out by a long shot, not just an individual community.

Am I misinterpreting what you're saying here?

[bass]

Honoring the 7th Commandment

Brothers, With so much talk about increased sex drive when test levels increase I think we are forgetting about the big picture.
Does a guy throw away everything that is morally right because he has goals to increase his physique?

Bodybuilders get accused of being selfish as it is, why can't we be disciplined in other area's of our lives like we are with our training and diet?
What about God, family, and country?
Just because we have ambitions and dreams do we ignore our other oaths?
We can still honor our commitments before the Lord and with our wives.

Have we become so egotistical that we will throw away all the virtuous, time-proven institutions, all stable foundations, all for muscle and strength gain?
What about our children? Do we want to trash our families so we can have nice in shape bodies?
Not me!

I have been married to one wife for 33 years and we have 3 grown children and I have never cheated on my wife.
We must be careful when we are too self -focused because we are not only ripping muscle tissues but we are ripping the very fiber that holds our families,
our culture and our nation together; apart.
Lust, coveting, pride, selfishness are all destructive and we are supposed to be "builders"
We can still honor our covenants and be in great shape.
We can honor God's Commands and still be great in the gym and everywhere else.

Brothers, if you are married, stay married, if you are single and not ready to make a "lifelong commitment" don't get married.
We are not to be spoiled children, we are to be examples, disciplined athletes , the best at everything not just muscle and strength building.
Franco

I share your sentiments, but like Igi said there are 1000s of different beliefs, some will agree with you and some will not. this my friend is a Free Will practiced as intended, and of course consequences are to follow. personally my goal in life is to work hard to get close to God not further apart.

[Honkey_Kong]

If I recall from Sunday school, with Jesus, the old covenant was broken and a new one was formed. He repealed the old commandments and gave a new commandment to replace them with. It's just "do on to others as you would like done to you." Basically, that one commandment involves all the behaviours in the old 10 commandments, but it takes it to the next step and implements working towards the good of man.

Basically, don't worry about breaking the 10 commandments as they're obsolete. Just worry about whether or not what you're doing serves man or serves your selfishness.

[MuscleInk]

Wow, that comment will open Pandora's box. Religion is and should remain a personal choice. I typically steer clear of these conversations because they are emotionally loaded and varying opinions can quickly lead to circular debates and feathers getting ruffled, to use a few cliches.

I respect others opinions on the subject matter but each must also respect that opinions will vary and the beliefs of one are not representative of the beliefs of all.

[Igifuno]

Wow MI... You stated how you felt, didn't lose your temper, and walked away without anyone getting hurt.

You're making progress and I'm proud of you. Lol.

[MuscleInk]

Wow MI... You stated how you felt, didn't lose your temper, and walked away without anyone getting hurt.

You're making progress and I'm proud of you. Lol.

Ah crap. Better check the estro-levels. Apparently I'm getting too soft again.

......or I took my vengeance out on that kid in the Anabolic Q&A thread telling our members he just wants advice and not to be told to go and read. Lol

[Igifuno]

Ah crap. Better check the estro-levels. Apparently I'm getting too soft again. ......or I took my vengeance out on that kid in the Anabolic Q&A thread telling our members he just wants advice and not to be told to go and read. Lol

Ooh sounds like I need to go check that out.

[MuscleInk]

Ooh sounds like I need to go check that out.

First cycle

Sorry OP. Don't mean to hijack your thread here.

Back to our regular program.

[diesel101]

Wow, that comment will open Pandora's box. Religion is and should remain a personal choice. I typically steer clear of these conversations because they are emotionally loaded and varying opinions can quickly lead to circular debates and feathers getting ruffled, to use a few cliches.

I respect others opinions on the subject matter but each must also respect that opinions will vary and the beliefs of one are not representative of the beliefs of all.

Well said MI!

[*Admin*]

Great thread! please remember that as has been stated all do not share the same opinion and that is ok please respect each others choice!

I will allow this to remain as long as it does not prove to be a problem...


Much respect,

*admin*

[CrazyTeddy]

welcome! I like the post!

[Igifuno]

Great thread! please remember that as has been stated all do not share the same opinion and that is ok please respect each others choice! I will allow this to remain as long as it does not prove to be a problem... Much respect, *admin*

Much respect indeed and thank you admin. I don't think anyone here will be disrespectful to one another.

Thank you.

[GettingReal]

You certainly make a good point, whether religiously we agree with you or not.
If we have other people in our lives that we have made commitments to we need to honor them. Although this is so highly individual as everyone here is in such different circumstances, and their obligations are different. I do my best to not be selfish towards my family but other people that I don't owe anything to I don't care, although generally try to be a good person.

[Honkey_Kong]

You certainly make a good point, whether religiously we agree with you or not.
If we have other people in our lives that we have made commitments to we need to honor them. Although this is so highly individual as everyone here is in such different circumstances, and their obligations are different. I do my best to not be selfish towards my family but other people that I don't owe anything to I don't care, although generally try to be a good person.

I try to treat people like how I'd like to be treated. Unfortunately, sometimes, my ego or my selfishness get in the way.

[noon]

I don't wish to be the sour apple here but you keep saying WE and Brothers I feel like im being added to a group that cant behave themselves . perhaps the company that your keeping needs a revision . I have been lifting and improving my physique for quite some time with and with out additional test. My friends as well most of us are married and remain so quite happily without going astray. Don't get me wrong I agree that if your married or in a committed relationship you should stay that way. I just wasn't aware of the problem.

[FrancoColumbo]

Thanks Igifuno,
I was actually responding to trash talk from some guys who were trying to justify adultery because of their constant "riod rections" them saying its ok to cheat on their wives because they have too much test in their systems and their overwhelming their wives and acting like undisciplined children.
How can a man be a bodybuilding athlete without discipline?
We know they cannot, or at-least they will be no good at it, so my 2 cents to them was practice discipline at everything you do.
Take care man, Franco

[FrancoColumbo]

Like I already responded earlier Noon,
I was actually adding my opinion to trash talk from some guys who were trying to justify adultery because of their constant "riod rections" them saying its ok to cheat on their wives because they have too much test in their systems and their overwhelming their wives and acting like undisciplined children.
How can a man be a bodybuilding athlete without discipline?
We know they cannot, or at-least they will be no good at it, so my 2 cents to them was practice discipline at everything you do.
Take care man, Franco

[FrancoColumbo]

Keep trying Honkey Kong,
That's all we can do.

[FrancoColumbo]

We need to try to hold the fabric of our society together.
If we can discipline ourselves to diet, exercise and set aside funds for gear, we can discipline the little head as much as the big one at the ends of our necks.
divorce is 100% selfishness, and the lives it ruins.
Thanks GettingReal for commenting.
I wish you the best, Franco

[FrancoColumbo]

Thanks Teddy

[FrancoColumbo]

Thanks Admin,
I don't mean any harm, just trying to prevent some.
Our nation is struggling and we have to pull together not apart.
Take care

[FrancoColumbo]

I did not mean for it to be religious, even the birds know about staying with their mate for life and divorce is killing our nation.
It separates families and weakens our culture. Our children then don't even know who they are.
Thanks Diesel for commenting.

Franco

[FrancoColumbo]

Remember Honkey Kong Jesus said that He did not come to destroy the Commandment, but to show us how to live them in (Matthew 5:17)
If a man is faithful to his training, he can be faithful to his wife and family.
Take care and stay healthy.
Franco

[FrancoColumbo]

Bass I agree, but it is obvious that many are working harder and putting more effort in their physique than they are in their wives and children.
To say that a man is taking large amounts of test. and that gives him the right to cheat on his wife is absurd and it shows no discipline.
This is the same type of guy who is only in shape when he is on juice and as soon as he goes off he has a beer belly.
This is not about religion, it's about love.
If we fight, devour, and rip our families apart because of selfish divorce we will eventually destroy our own selves.
Take care Bass, stay faithful to God, He will keep you faithful in all that you do.

[marcus300]

Fuk me not another happy clapper Lmfao

[Metalject]

Wow, that comment will open Pandora's box. Religion is and should remain a personal choice. I typically steer clear of these conversations because they are emotionally loaded and varying opinions can quickly lead to circular debates and feathers getting ruffled, to use a few cliches.

I respect others opinions on the subject matter but each must also respect that opinions will vary and the beliefs of one are not representative of the beliefs of all.

You're correct that people can become emotionally loaded when it comes to this topic, but I do have to disagree slightly on the personal choice comment. I assume you mean it's a personal choice so it shouldn't be talked about because, as you eluded to, it can ruffle some feathers. But everything in life is a personal choice. Our religious beliefs or lack thereof affect how we see the world and many of the decisions we make.

One thing that's always amused me, not in a haha way, is how people say one's religious beliefs should not affect how they make decisions in life, especially those in political life. But in either case, political or not, how can our beliefs system not affect the decisions we're going to make? It's like asking a rock to be a pineapple.

[Igifuno]

You're correct that people can become emotionally loaded when it comes to this topic, but I do have to disagree slightly on the personal choice comment. I assume you mean it's a personal choice so it shouldn't be talked about because, as you eluded to, it can ruffle some feathers. But everything in life is a personal choice. Our religious beliefs or lack thereof affect how we see the world and many of the decisions we make. One thing that's always amused me, not in a haha way, is how people say one's religious beliefs should not affect how they make decisions in life, especially those in political life. But in either case, political or not, how can our beliefs system not affect the decisions we're going to make? It's like asking a rock to be a pineapple.

Interesting thoughts Metalject... People's belief system certainly affects their everyday decision making. I wonder though, why is it that we are so tolerant of other people's uniqueness, but so intolerant of others belief systems in religion and politics?

[BG]

Once I found my faith I vowed never to compete again. It does take over your life, making yourself very selfish. Steroid use is the same, changes the natural course of your life, mine definitely In a negative way. I'm struggling with devoting so much time, energy and money to body building. Trying to talk myself into slowing down, injuries may force my hand.

Always remember. ........ body building is either your way of life, or gets in the way of your life.

[Black]

Once I found my faith I vowed never to compete again. It does take over your life, making yourself very selfish. Steroid use is the same, changes the natural course of your life, mine definitely In a negative way. I'm struggling with devoting so much time, energy and money to body building. Trying to talk myself into slowing down, injuries may force my hand.

Always remember. ........ body building is either your way of life, or gets in the way of your life.

Great post. Years ago, I had a bodybuilding schedule. And nothing would break that. If I was to be at the gym at a certain time, nothing interfered. If someone wanted me to go somewhere and I couldn't bring my food or I'd miss a meal, no dice.

I've never competed, but doing the basics above. I had put a lot of people to the side and retired a lot of relationships.

Now I'm much more flexible. I'll go to the gym when/if possible and eat when I can. A big 'slap in the face' for me was sitting down with myself and saying, "Dude, its great to be healthy and look better, but you don't compete. You don't plan on competing and this isn't even your livelihood."

When I looked at it that way, I felt ashamed and sad. That was some time ago and I've since been able to juggle things better and still stay true to my family and goals.

[Igifuno]

BG and DD - thought provoking posts. Thx for sharing.

[FrancoColumbo]

Dante, been there done that, but the great thing is God forgives.
As long as their is life there is hope.
As long as we are motivated towards introspective humbleness we can seek reconciliation with The Lord and those we may have hurt.
I am glad you are working on your priorities .
Training, diet, supplements help us meet our goals, but they are not life.
Jesus Christ is Life and Life's Abundance is found in the resurrected Savior.
Our lives easily get out of order but there is One who put's us back together again and His message is the cross.
Take care man, stay pumped but the greatest is "love"
Franco

[FrancoColumbo]

BG,
I have been there done that.
I got a couple of 1st's to show for it, but the great thing is God forgives if we have the true heart of a penitent.
As long as their is life there is hope.
As long as we are motivated towards introspective humbleness we can seek reconciliation with The Lord and those we may have hurt.
I am glad you are working on your priorities and pray God gives you strength, guidance and a renewed drawing to His side.

Training, diet, supplements help us meet our goals, but they are not life.
Jesus Christ is Life and Life's Abundance is found in the resurrected Savior as proof.
Even great bodybuilders die and meet their Judge.
Our lives easily get out of order but there is One who put's us back together again and His message is the cross.

Take care man, stay pumped, you look awesome like Ronnie but always remember the greatest is and will always be "love"
Franco

[BG]

Thanks but that's not me in my avy.

I agree with all you said, I put myself first four the past 37 years and I went no where. Time to give God control and let him lead me to what I was truly meant to do. I use testimony often to help others so it was not a waste............ but I would do things differently if I had another chance.

[tarmyg]

I do not believe in God for the simply reason that I do believe anyone except myself is in charge of my life.

Thanks
~T

---

Follow my personal story here on this blog: An honest journey
Trophy Husband - a countdown timer

[MuscleInk]

You're correct that people can become emotionally loaded when it comes to this topic, but I do have to disagree slightly on the personal choice comment. I assume you mean it's a personal choice so it shouldn't be talked about because, as you eluded to, it can ruffle some feathers. But everything in life is a personal choice. Our religious beliefs or lack thereof affect how we see the world and many of the decisions we make.

One thing that's always amused me, not in a haha way, is how people say one's religious beliefs should not affect how they make decisions in life, especially those in political life. But in either case, political or not, how can our beliefs system not affect the decisions we're going to make? It's like asking a rock to be a pineapple.

No, not so much that it shouldn't be discussed, rather individual choices and opinions respected and tolerated. I respect the fact that some people chose religion and that choice guides their decisions, beliefs, and conduct. What concerns me though is the occasional zealot that feels the need to impose their morality or religious beliefs on others. Whatever I chose to believe or not believe is a personal preference and I don't try to force feed my beliefs on others any more than I would want someone trying to cram their beliefs down my throat.

I've had this conversation with my wife many times. She Buddhist and there are times when she goes to Temple and eats only specific foods often tied to the lunar cycle and other days in the calendar. I've never told her those beliefs and practices are ridiculous or that she shouldn't or can't do it. Quite the opposite. I respect her beliefs and encourage her religious preferences but don't DARE tell me I must participate in something that is not part of my own belief system. I respect her choices and expect the same courtesy in return.

The same holds true regarding adultery. For some, it blasphemous and a violation of religious teachings. Ok. Great for you. Fantastic. If that makes you happy, run with that ideology. I won't criticize or ridicule someone for that belief but don't even think of judging me if my beliefs differ (In fact one of the greatest hypocrisies I see are the religious believers who judge people for their sins, yet follow a dogma that preaches "judge NOT, least ye be judged").

Now, in all of the above, nowhere did I condone extramarital affairs. I won't judge you if you're screwing around on your partner/wife/GF - I have many friends that screw around routinely. Their choice, their life. I don't personally agree with their decisions, but who am I to judge. For me, the sanctity of marriage has less to do with some unseen force and more to do with RESPECT. My decisions are driven by one simple question: "is that how I would want to be treated"? In other words, would I be ok with my wife bringing men into our bed or her secretly meeting with other men and having sex behind my back? Hell NO! I'd be insanely furious. Therefore, if I would not condone that for her, how can I possibly excuse that behavior or make exceptions for myself?

Still other couples may coexist by allowing multiple partners within their relationship. Great, if that works for you, have at it. I have no problem if that's working for your relationship. It's just not for me.

Being faithful or not is not about any supposed set of commandments I'm supposed to live a pious life by. It's simply a matter of respect and decency of behavior.

Was the original post about what is right according to some god, or the value of marital commitments? The two are not mutually inclusive. I can certainly value and respect the vows of my marriage without the need to bring god or any sanctimonious rules into it. That's not a criticism of OP or his beliefs. I agree in the value of marital bonds - we diverge though on the substantive nature of those vows. For him, cheating is an atrocity in the eyes of god. For me, it's simply not how I'd want my wife treating me. (Do unto those as you would have them do unto you, I suppose).

[Igifuno]

My wife is also Buddhist but does not push anything on anyone. I grew up going to church but it was a horrible experience that ruined my faith and I now do not believe in the bible.

I enjoy going to temple every now and again and have meditated with monks, friends and strangers many times, but I agree - pushing a belief system on someone does nothing but light the fire that has escalated to full blown wars over the past several thousand years all across the world.

My youngest daughter expressed interest in going to church with out neighbors who are friends of outs and she hangs out with their daughter. Inside, I did not want her to go, but I let her, because she (just like all of us) needs to figure out what is going to give her peace and life. And if she finds peace through faith in God, then that is what I want for her. I personally do not have that type of faith, but I truly wish I did.

[MuscleInk]

My wife is also Buddhist but does not push anything on anyone. I grew up going to church but it was a horrible experience that ruined my faith and I now do not believe in the bible.

I enjoy going to temple every now and again and have meditated with monks, friends and strangers many times, but I agree - pushing a belief system on someone does nothing but light the fire that has escalated to full blown wars over the past several thousand years all across the world.

My youngest daughter expressed interest in going to church with out neighbors who are friends of outs and she hangs out with their daughter. Inside, I did not want her to go, but I let her, because she (just like all of us) needs to figure out what is going to give her peace and life. And if she finds peace through faith in God, then that is what I want for her. I personally do not have that type of faith, but I truly wish I did.

Oddly enough, I spent several years studying at a seminary in Canada before my passion for medicine took hold of me. I have gone to Temple with my HAW a few times - unfortunately I never understand anything said since its in Vietnamese.

I've tried meditating. I wish I could master that but I always fall asleep. Lol

[Black]

Oddly enough, I spent several years studying at a seminary in Canada before my passion for medicine took hold of me. I have gone to Temple with my HAW a few times - unfortunately I never understand anything said since its in Vietnamese.

I've tried meditating. I wish I could master that but I always fall asleep. Lol

Right there with you brother. My wife will sometimes ask me to meditate with her. Every time I have tried, zonk! I'm out. Now I mainly 'meditate' for an hour or two a day and about 5-7 hours overnight.

[Igifuno]

I've konked out too but it's ok... One of the temples has a big psychedelic wheel in the middle of the main area that just spins and you fall into a trance while the monks chant..