Most Christians are familiar with Bible verses about one’s relationship to God and to other people, however many of us don’t realize that the Bible actually has a lot to say about physical activity and exercise. Working out can lead to healthy and strong bodies, peace of mind, improved mood and ultimately can bring a better connection to one’s faith.
The Bible is full of verses that promote physical activity. From time spent in prayer, to meditation, and even spiritual warfare, the Bible clearly shows that working out is important for physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Psalm 29:11 declares “The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” With fitness often comes a sense of peace, clarity and strength that can lead to having a closer relationship with God and communities.
One key lesson found in the Bible is the importance of discipline and focus. Through physical effort, we can learn to stay disciplined and reset our perspective on what matters most in life. Working out helps us to stay focused on the present moment and to forget our worries while getting closer to God. Exercise can also provide a way to show gratitude for God’s blessings and to appreciate our physical bodies that He has blessed us with.
Most menial tasks are often portrayed negatively in the Bible, however physical work has a positive outlook. In Proverbs 14:23, it says “In all labor there is profit.” With physical labor, we practice discipline and self-control. Working out requires us to build a routine and this promotes the kind of discipline that can help us in other aspects of life.
Physical activity is not just a form of exercise; it is ultimately a form of worship that honors God. As I Corinthians 10:31 says “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Working out can help us to honor and glorify Him. From prayer, to stretching and physical effort, we can move our body in an expression of thanks and praise.
The Benefit Of Working Out
When done with dedication, working out can lead to a number of physical and mental benefits. It has been proven to improve one’s overall health and can even prevent certain diseases. Working out can also help us to manage stress, to boost our self-confidence and to maintain a positive outlook on life. Moreover, working out gives us an opportunity to form relationships with others through sports, fitness classes or workout groups, therefore it improves our social life and makes us feel part of a community.
Start Your Fitness Journey Now
Starting a fitness routine and achieving physical health doesn’t happen overnight. However, the Bible encourages us to start today and work hard. Colossians 3:23 says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” We must take steps to start a healthier lifestyle and keep our body fit and healthy.
Nutrition Is Key
The Bible is full of verses that emphasize the importance of having a healthy diet. One of the most famous ones is Proverbs 25:27 which reads “It is not good to eat too much honey”. This can be interpreted from an even broader perspective: consuming food in moderation is key to a healthy lifestyle. The Bible emphasizes the importance of wholesome foods and moderation, a lesson that takes on even greater importance when combined with physical activity and working out.
The Importance Of Balance
Besides physical health, there is spiritual health. Working out is important, but should never be done to the detriment to our relationship with God. Balance is key, and when done in moderation, working out can bring us closer to God. With a balanced approach, we can move our body and rest our soul.
Rest And Recovery
Rest is also important for our physical and spiritual health and should not be overlooked. The Bible teaches us to “be still and know that He is God”. Restful activities can be a form of worship and a way to practice gratitude and humility. Rest can be an important part of our overall fitness and spiritual journey.
How Working Out Glorifies God
Working out can help us to keep a positive mindset and to channel our energy towards bettering our relationship with God. When we show respect and gratitude for our physical bodies, we can glorify Him. By honoring God’s statutes and taking time to care for ourselves, we can come closer to Him.
The Power Of Prayer
Working out and physical activity can be spiritual tools to grow closer to God. Doing so in combination with prayer enables us to stay connected with God and seek His favor. Even during our workouts, we can use prayer to stay focused on glorifying Him.
Walking as Exercise
In the Bible, there are several verses that talk about the importance of walking. Walking can be used as an exercise and it can be an opportunity to contemplate on the scripture and to talk to God. Walking represents a spiritual journey that is a form of exercise and a step towards a healthier journey with God.
Conclusion
The Bible offers us crucial information on the importance of physical fitness and the effects this has on one’s spiritual life. Working out can bring increased discipline, clarity and peace, as well as provide an outlet to show gratitude for God’s blessings. Whether it’s through walking, running, swimming, or another form of exercise, we should honor our physical bodies and use them to strengthen our relationship with God.
