The Essential Guide to Faith and Fitness
Ever wondered what God thinks about exercise? Then this faith and fitness guide is for you! In this post, we’ll explore the biblical connection between faith and fitness. Learn how to invite God into your fitness and get started on your own journey to better health. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for new Christian inspiration to workout, read on!
We cannot give our hearts to God and keep our bodies for ourselves.
Elisabeth Elliot
Why Christians should care about fitness
God loves and cares about every part of our lives. His love extends into every area, so that we can live a complete and full life.
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Ephesians 3:18-19
Jesus performed many miracles of physical healing. The blind saw (John 9:1–12), the lame walked (John 5:1-29) and dead lived again (John 11:38-44)! Jesus clearly cares about the physical health and wellbeing of those around Him. If He only came for our spirit, would He have performed these physical miracles? If Jesus cares about our physical health, then so do I!
What does God say about exercising?
1) Be ready to do His will
God has a plan for your life. He made us not only as spiritual beings, but with a body, mind and soul. Jesus says in Mark 12:30;
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Mark 12:30
He commands that we love and worship God will every part of ourself. Fitness is simply keeping our body healthy with movement. He designed our body to run, dance, jump and walk. Being fit and strong is important so we can be ready to do whatever God has called us to do.
Faith and fitness collided when Mary Magdalene and Mary saw that Jesus’s tomb was empty on Resurrection Sunday. What did they do? They ran to tell others. (Matt. 28.8). In Exodus 15:20, Miriam led women in worship with music and dancing. These women walked in faith and fitness to fulfill the call of God on their life. They were ready, spirit, soul and body!
2) It’s good stewardship
Our life is a gift from God. Unless we care for our body, it will get tired and sick. Honor God by caring for the body He gave us. The bible says our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
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.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
We were bought with a price! The sacrifice of Jesus dying on the cross for our spirit, soul, mind and body. Yes, Jesus died for our eternal life, but also so we may live in freedom and blessing on Earth. I don’t know about you, but sickness and disease don’t sound like freedom to me. And yes, Christians who live healthy and love God get sick too. Not until we’re in Heaven will we walk in complete freedom and health. However, until that time comes, let’s honor God by caring for the life and body He gave us.
How to get started with fitness as a Christian
Tips for success in faith and fitness
Frequently Asked Questions
The last thing you need to know about fitness and faith
God made us to move and live life of freedom in spirit, mind, body and soul! Don’t do your faith and fitness journey alone. Get started today and I’m here to help you!
