Physical Fitness

And you thought spiritual fitness was only about your inner life with God… Did you know that the Father loves your heart, soul, mind and your body? Your body is not mere flesh and bones, a meaningless house for your spirit. Keep Reading...

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

The Greeks of old made a separation between sacred and secular. The flesh and the spirit were separate entities to them. In other words, what you did with your flesh didn't really matter. As long as you kept your spirit pure, you were doing just fine. We have kept this wrong thinking alive in modern times as we separate our worlds into "sacred" and "secular". So we tend to give God our "hearts and minds" (our sacred or spiritual life), and then we keep the physical aspects (the secular) to ourselves.

Did you realize the plans that God has for your body? He says, "Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit." 1 Corinthians 6:19 Oh yes, your body is deeply spiritual. It houses the Holy Spirit. Throughout history, God has looked for physical houses where he could fill with his glory… a place where he could live. He did this in the tabernacle, Exodus 40:34 the temple 2 Chronicles 5:14 and now in you.

God has been very clear throughout Scripture about maintaining his house and keeping it pure. Is your body prepared for his glory to come and remain on you? Physical fitness through maintaining a healthy lifestyle in exercise and diet is a primary way that we can take care of God's house.

Our motivation of physical exercise can rise and fall greatly. We feel bad about our physical condition… we wish our body shape was different… we are tired of feeling weak. Ultimately, our self-focused motivations will never help in building and maintaining God's temple.

How about exercising for Jesus' sake? Would you work at being the best container of God's glory that you can be? He deserves this. God does not compare your physical body and abilities to another. For he intentionally made us all different. But, he deeply desires that we use the body that we have for his glory.

There is a reason that God has said, "Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice…. this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1 Your dedication to a healthy lifestyle through appropriate exercise, sleep and diet is your act of worship to God.

How to do this? Start small and consistent. Find a time each day that works for you… do some simple core work-outs (use an app on your phone), perhaps take a 10 minute run or bike. Do something that will work for you each day at a certain time. Establish a pattern… small and consistent. Build from there.