This is some of the content from East River Church’s men’s group challenge, Man on a Mission. This excerpt is from our section on setting goals for physical well-being…
My claim is simple: It’s our spiritual obligation to pursue physical fitness.
Scriptural Evidences
1. The Positive Application of the Sixth Commandment
The Larger Catechism 135 says it well: “The duties required in the sixth commandment are all careful studies and lawful endeavors to preserve the life of ourselves and others by resisting all thoughts and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions, temptations, and practices which tend to the unjust taking away of the life of any.”
Therefore, it is our spiritual duty to preserve our own lives. The Larger Catechism 136 lays out the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment, with two lines especially relevant to this issue:
“The neglecting or withdrawing of lawful and necessary means of preservation of life.”
“Immoderate use of meat, drink, labor, and recreations.”
Many of us lack physical fitness due to neglecting what promotes health and indulging in things that destroy it.
2. The Ability to Obey and Fulfill the Creation Mandate
The creation mandate in Genesis 1:28 states: “And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”
God designed us to be fruitful, and in His wisdom, physical fitness is often linked to fruitfulness, while a lack of fitness can correlate with barrenness. For instance, obesity has a direct relationship with infertility in both men and women, reducing sperm count in men and disrupting the delicate hormone balance required for conception in women.
God has tasked us with taking dominion over the physical world, which is hard work. Physical fitness enhances our ability to fulfill this mandate effectively.
3. The Ability to Increase Productivity
Ecclesiastes 10:10 says, “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.”
If it’s wise to keep the ax sharp, it’s equally wise to keep the body that wields it in shape. Generally speaking, physical fitness allows us to work longer and harder with a reduced risk of injury.
4. The Service That Can Be Done for Others
In Philippians 1:21-22, Paul says, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me, and I do not know which to choose.” He continues the argument, saying in verses 23-24, “But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.” Paul sees value in extending his life for the Philippians' benefit. In verse 25, he concludes, “Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith.”
Generally, physical fitness extends our lives, allowing us to help others progress in the faith through our “fruitful labor.” This is especially relevant for those with children; it’s hard to bless them with the “wisdom of the aged” if we die prematurely of a heart attack or stroke in our 50s.
5. Paul Says Physical Fitness Has Value
In 1 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul says, “Rather train yourself for godliness; 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 for the life to come.” Paul isn’t making an either/or argument. He’s not suggesting it’s bodily discipline or spiritual discipline but contrasting the good of bodily training with the greater value of spiritual training. Bodily training does indeed have value—a trillion dollars only has “some value” when compared to the glories of heaven.
Conclusion
I purposely said “pursuing physical fitness” and not “achieving it.” The goal is to achieve it, but life is difficult. There are seasons when our fitness may suffer due to life’s crosses and losses. In those seasons, we do what we can, keeping our eye on caring for ourselves so that we may serve the Lord for His glory and the good of others.
Application
When it comes to fitness, keep it simple and focus on three key areas: moving, nourishing, and resting your body. Answer these questions on a piece of paper or in your notes app to set a practical plan for yourself:
1. Movement:
Answer: How will you make sure your body gets the physical activity it needs to stay strong and functional?
Examples: Set a goal for daily movement, whether it's walking, weightlifting, or flexibility exercises. Aim for consistency rather than intensity to build a sustainable habit.
2. Nutrition:
Answer: How will you make sure your body gets the proper nutrition it needs to stay strong and functional?
Examples: Choose a way of eating and stick to it. Consider meal prepping or setting guidelines for grocery shopping to make nutritious choices easier.
3. Rest:
Answer: How will you make sure your body gets quality rest to recover and stay strong and functional?
Examples: Set a consistent bedtime, minimize screen time an hour before bed, and create a relaxing pre-sleep routine to improve the quality of your sleep.
Keep it simple, especially when starting out. Small, consistent actions can have a big impact over time.