Move With Purpose: How to Honor God with Your Workout Routine.
“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 ESV
Okay now, this verse in its context is not speaking directly about fitness; but the concept of honoring God with your body can absolutely apply to your fitness and physical health goals!
So how do we integrate Faith and Fitness to serve a higher purpose?
Let’s start by looking at some scripture that supports the value of physical health, a biblical foundation for fitness if you will.
1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT) says:
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
We know that our Spiritual Health has eternal value, so that should always be the priority. And the Bible says physical training is GOOD, there is some value in it!
Think of it as stewardship over the beautiful creation that houses your soul.
Proverbs 31:17 (ESV) talks about the characteristics of a God-fearing woman and makes a point to mention:
“She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.”
Strong! The Bible says STRONG!
Not weak, not average, not just getting by…
Being Strong Is A Form Of Obedience To God.
Not only do we get this opportunity to obey the Lord but to praise Him in gratitude for the capable body He designed just for us. Our specific struggles, our personal trials and pain, all for His glory.
Practical Ways to Honor God with Your Workouts
1. Start with Prayer
Starting your workout with a prayer is always the right move. Sometimes Most times we’re feeling unmotivated and a short prayer asking for strength, safety, and giving thanks for the opportunity to show obedience to God is just the mental shift we need. Other times we may be feeling good and a short prayer can just put our focus back on God and maybe even open up a time to connect with Him deeper. Maybe we get a chance to share His gospel with a gym buddy.
2. Listen to Worship Music or Scriptures
I LOVE listening to music when I workout, it’s a must for me. I have several different playlists saved, some that I’ve created and some that I found from others. My family only listens to Christian music (a decision my husband and I made a few years ago), but I have different genres loaded and ready to go with my ever changing mood and workout styles- Jesus Rap, Jesus Rock, Worship, Screamo, you name it!
Try creating a playlist of worship songs or using an audio Bible app during workouts.
3. Set Intentions or Goals Rooted in Faith
Start by framing your fitness goals around God’s purpose for your life. Our calling as Christians is to honor and glorify God - which we are doing by taking care of our body. But maybe you can pin down a more specific reason, like maintaining energy to serve others in a particular way or gaining strength to fulfill a certain role. Maybe your on the missions field hiking through jungles, or maybe you just have a lot of kids or grandkids to chase after! Your goal can be just for one workout or it might be the same long term goals. I recommend coming up with at least one short term goal and one long term goal.
4. Practice Gratitude During Your Workout
Take time to thank God for the ability to move, breathe, and exercise!
Turn every movement into worship.
5. Rest and Recover in Faith
The Bible emphasizes the importance of Sabbath, a day of rest. God’s design for the body follows the same rule. If God requires rest, then best believe you do too. Honor His design by listening to your body and gaining understanding of the program you’re following. Rest and recovery is a huge piece of the job and it is vital.
6. Overcoming Challenges: Keeping God at the Center
We’ve all been there… burnout, self-doubt, lacking motivation. Scripture and prayer are a great way to find strength when you’re feeling discouraged. And SPOILER ALERT!!! Your worth is not tied to your fitness achievements but to your identity in Christ.
I have many personal victories and accolades to my name in the fitness industry- and I can’t take any of them to heaven. All I can do is my best, to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Are you the parent that thinks setting aside time to workout is selfish? Or that being/looking strong is vain?
I challenge you to drop the mindset of “me-time” and give that time to God in obedience and gratitude.
Be strong so you can carry out His plans.
Be strong to help your neighbor when they call.
Be strong because God asked you to.
How do you honor God in your fitness journey?
