Considering Exercise and the Christian

jogging by iwanbeijes

January is the time to shed some pounds and get involved in an exercise program.  The gyms have higher enrollments and many start a new program.

There are many popular programs in use today that are thriving businesses such as Cross-fit and Zumba.

Thanks to my personal trainer, which I married, we have always been involved in exercise over our 14 years of marriage.  I was a Physical Education major in college, so I studied exercise and fitness, but Amanda who majored in elementary education has always been more passionate about exercise and health.

As I observe trends in our culture related to exercise and as Christians are being involved in it, here are some things to consider. 

1.  Exercise is profitable and has its place.   Paul refers to bodily training as being of “some value” in 1 Timothy 4:8.  Exercise is beneficial for our health.  As a Christian we have a stewardship of our physical bodies and should consider our health (1 Cor. 6:19-20).  Exercise is beneficial in reducing stress, weight-control, and overall physical health.  It strengthens our muscles and inner organs.  By keeping our bodies healthy we are typically able to live longer, more productive lives in the kingdom of Christ.

2. Exercise should not consume us and hinder our family relationships.  Exercise is time consuming.  It is good and beneficial, but it can also be the enemy of the best.  Just because it is a good, does not mean it should be allowed to harm other areas of our lives.  Sometimes, Christians may neglect worship, fail to meet work obligations, or harm their marriage and family life because of not keeping exercise in its proper place.  You need to consider the types of exercise you do and how much time it takes and its impact upon your family.

3. Exercise should not be focused on body sculpting.  It seems there is a  growing trend to focus on the body that is being produced through the exercise.  This is understandable, because the person is working hard and would like to “show off” or get recognized for their efforts.  Often times this is manifested in making the goal of the exercise to shape and tone the body.  This is not always bad, but if the goal of a Christian is body sculpting, then they must ask themselves, “For whom are they trying to sculpt their body?”  Gyms are notorious for affairs and the conjuring of improper desires.

4. Exercise environments are not exempt from Christian modesty.  While exercising, Christians should consider their clothing.  This is connected with the last point as well.  If the goal is body sculpting, then it often leads to tight and seductive clothing.  In someways, it is easy to rationalize immodest clothing, because of the exercise environment.  But the Christian should consider who else is at the gym, and also who will be taking pictures of them and posting them on social media.

Reminder:  As you focus on your physical health, do not neglect your spiritual health!   

So start an exercise program in 2014, but do it for your health and service to God, not to craft a “perfect” body!