Is Exercise Biblical?

Is exercise Biblical? I bet most of us would say it is important, but is it Biblical? And if so, what is the role of fitness in the life of a Christian?

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across a book by David Mathis, titled A Little Theology of Fitness. As someone who loves to be outside, run, and play sports, it saddens me to admit that I have never taken the time to develop a “Theology of Fitness” until now. Because of this, I have fluctuated between over valuing physical fitness/appearance and neglecting it all together.

So, I thought it would be interesting to hear a Biblical perspective on exercise. This short book turned out to be so much more than interesting- helping me develop a “Theology of Fitness” that has transformed my view of exercise from being a good use of time to a holy one!

Let’s start with that first question: Is exercise Biblical?

Although scripture does not explicitly command believers to exercise moderately three times a week for at least 30 minutes the way doctors often do, I do believe exercising is Biblical.

In Psalm 139, it says,

“You formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

God created us fearfully and wonderfully. Our bodies are beautifully designed from the way human life begins in the womb to how it is maintained throughout the rest of our lives.Have you ever heard someone talk about the “runner’s high” they experience after finishing a run? If you are not a runner, that may have always sounded a little kooky. But, several different chemicals are produced when you exercise that improve mood, increase brain function, and lower feelings of stress! Exercising the body is a part of God’s design for a healthy human!

1 Timothy 4:8 says,

“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds
promise for the present life and also the life to come.”

This is a common verse when considering physical fitness for the Christian. It highlights godliness as the supreme value, but it doesn’t negate the value of physical training. In A Little Theology of Exercise, Mathis points out that this letter was written to a culture much more active than ours. A sedentary life was not an option during the life of Paul. If they wanted to travel, they would walk. If they needed water, they would journey to the well and carry it back. Yet, Paul still states that physical training “is of some value”.

Paul is not saying that there is value in how long you can run, how much you can lift, or how you look. Instead, I believe he is admitting that there is value in the act of training our physical bodies with discipline.

If exercise is Biblical, what is its role in the life of a Christian?

Every area of the Christian life is to be shaped by the gospel and our identity as citizens of God’s Kingdom. Exercise is no different.Culture teaches us that the goal of exercise is to “look good” by aiming to bring glory to ourselves and to “feel good” by aiming for satisfaction in our lifestyle and bodies. The temptation is to be self-focussed whether we go to the gym in pride or insecurity.

Contrary to the world around us, the role of exercise in the Christian life is to bring glory to God, not ourselves. We often hear professional athletes give glory to God after an amazing performance. Is that what it means to bring Him glory through exercise? Most of us don’t have professional level athletic abilities. So, although that is a way to make much of Him in this area of life, it is not the only way.

For most of us, exercising in a way that brings glory to God will not be in front of a camera but in the hidden moments of life.

Here are a few ways exercising for God’s glory can play out:

• The practice of discipline and diligence in the gym can prepare you to practice the disciplines that grow us in godliness (such as prayer, scripture reading, scripture memorization, fasting).

• Training yourself to do hard things and go beyond your comfort zone in the gym can help fight the idol of comfort in other areas of our lives- leading us to live out a bold faith.

• Strengthening our bodies readies us to serve others through daily acts of service with joy. When our bodies are trained to move, we can more easily love those around us by getting off the couch to refill your friend's water, carrying groceries home for your family, or helping someone move in!

Even as we go to the gym, we might be going with mixed motivations. What are some prayers you can offer up to God to truly make our workouts an offering to Him?

• “Lord, help me to see this workout as a way to bring glory to you rather than myself.”

• “Lord, help me to fight the idol of comfort and the temptation towards laziness in my life as I push myself during this workout.”

• “Lord, help me to cultivate a disciplined spirit in all areas of my life through disciplining my body.”

• “Lord help me to see this workout as an opportunity to strengthen my body for the service of those around me.”

Just as in all things, God has kindly designed exercise to be for our good and for His glory. How will you enjoy and honor Him this week in your pursuit of fitness?