A Theology of Fitness?

I’ll admit I enjoy a good workout. Achieving new goals in physical fitness and seeing my body change is a great incentive to this activity. At the same time, I have had friends ask me, “Why do you workout?” Though there are some benefits concerning how my body looks, overall strength, and physical ability, many are surprised to hear my drive for fitness has its foundation in my theology.

 

This drive for a healthy lifestyle comes from a question I asked while seeking God’s will for my future. I asked myself, “Are you at a point where you would have the physical capability to go WHEREVER God calls you and do WHATEVER God calls you to do?” Hearing stories of missionaries climbing and hiking their way to unreached people groups made me want to be able to do whatever the call of God required. I didn’t want to do anything to spiritually disqualify myself from the work of God. In the same way, I didn’t want to do anything that would physically disqualify me from whatever God might call me to do.

 

I have seen how unhealthy living can cut short a life of fruitful ministry. People who were empowered by the Spirit to do wonderful things have died prematurely because of a disregard for their bodies. I have heard of people praying for high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other health issues. I believe in divine healing and believe that prayer is effective. The only problem is that they want God to fix something that is within their power. This reminds me of a quote I once heard: “God will do for you what you cannot do for yourself!” When issues are beyond your control, I trust God will supernaturally intervene. When you can do something about your situation, I believe God expects those individuals to change their lifestyles in order to be healthy.

 

Admittedly, I don’t always eat and/or exercise the way I should. At the same time, I am making an effort to bring my practice in line with my beliefs. I’m currently considering a plan to begin natural bodybuilding. No I don’t plan on competing or anything. It is simply a personal fitness goal I have to push myself a bit more in my quest for healthy living. For this reason, I want to explain that fitness is not about how you look. It is about one living a healthy life before God.

 

This week, ask yourself what you are doing to live a healthy lifestyle.