1 Timothy 4:8
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Consider these questions:
Why are you motivated to be in the gym today?
Why do we crave discipline or long for structure?
Why does self-control feel proper or why does indulgence give us guilt?
Why do we admire those who seem that they have control of their physique and their lives?
Do you strive to be impressive to others in the gym?
Do you care too much about working out to where it dictates your schedule?
Does missing a workout ruin your day and make you bitter?
Have you considered that exercise is not meant to be a selfish act?
Have you noticed a connection in indulgence and lack of self-control?
Have you noticed that when you are stricter in nutrition habits, you can be more controlled in other areas of your life?
Have you considered that appetite is not just what you consume, but it’s a term that describes what you take in or not take in?
The Bible is loaded with stories and references in fitness. It’s fascinating to know that even 2000 years ago, humanity wrestled with discipline of our bodies. Here are just a few scriptures:
James 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Isaiah 40:31
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint"
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
Mark 12:30
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
2 Timothy 2:5
“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Ephesians 4:15-16
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”
2 Timothy 3:17
“that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
The above scriptures and books like James, 1 and 2 Timothy, are loaded with terms and phrases that mention self-control, discipline, endurance, and to take care of our bodies in the right ways. We are to fight for it, every day, but with grace.
Fitness is stewardship. Our bodies are a gift from God and exercise should be a way of worship, a way of gratitude, a way of celebrating what we can do with our bodies at the gym. Stewarding our bodies well also allows us to fight for longevity. It allows us to be a healthy example for others. You may have those that depend on you. Let your workouts allow you to live well. What you consume, what you eat matters. Simply put, what you take in needs to make you better.
Fitness should not be an idol. Fitness is so important and universally supported, it can easily become something we worship. If you miss a workout, don’t let it make you bitter. If you don’t eat perfectly for a day or a week, don’t let it make you give up with guilt. God’s grace and mercy is daily and that should reflect in our attitude towards fitness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Fitness is self-control and discipline. One of the most fascinating elements of fitness is that it’s impossible to be successful without being controlled in your lifestyle choices and being mentally focused. It’s training to live this life. This life is hard and to get through it, one must practice both a controlled self and a grounded mentality. Doing so in your fitness will expand to other areas of your life. Structure and routine is healthy and it reminds us what it feels like to be a little uncomfortable. Sometimes the discomfort in our discipline journey is a reality check that this life isn’t meant to be all comfort. Lastly, nothing shows constraint and self-control like fasting. Fasting can be one of the most rewarding disciplines you can adopt into your life. (For more on fasting see our past blog posts.)
Fitness is endurance. Striving to be in good health and to stay in sound wellness isn’t only difficult, but it requires resilience to everything else fighting against it. It’s a daily fight. It requires work capacity, but it also requires rest. You must know when to battle and when to back off. It requires an understanding in how to stay in the race, how to fuel for this marathon of life, and how to have a toughness that will last. We must all work on our long game, not just the short.
1 Timothy 6:12 12
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Fitness is humility. By saying this, it’s also implying that fitness is not anxiousness. It’s not worry. It’s not pride. Don’t workout in fear of bad health. Don’t worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34) but do what you can today. In caring for our bodies we take a posture of humility.
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.” ― CS Lewis
Taking a posture of pride or puffing yourself up with conceit in the gym is a shallow belief. Be the humble beast, but most importantly use your strength to serve.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
There are so many reasons to be driven to be in good shape. We all should strive to be the best version of ourselves through health and fitness. Universally, we all want to live longer lives and live well in our years. Consider your why, consider eternity, and consider how you can use your fitness to serve others.
Colossians 3:23-25
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
