The Body as a Temple: The Christian Perspective on Physical Wellness
When we are healthy, we are more capable. We should not exercise for vanity, but to better help others. Being healthy isn’t the easy choice. We all have days where we want to give up. We can rely on our faith to find the strength to continue. “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)
Worship Through Fitness
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19) Being healthier cleanses and builds up the temple of our bodies. It shows respect and appreciation for God’s work. If we take care of God’s temple, will surely take care of us. We remember our bodies are a temple and work on improving them to integrate our relationship with Christ with our workouts.
Increasing our capacity to help
As Christians, we have a duty to love one another. Loving someone means wanting the best for them, which includes their health. We have to be healthy ourselves to be in a position to help others become heathier. Being physically fit also allows us to help others with physical tasks. In the book of James, it says: “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:14, 26). Some of the best opportunities to spread the Gospel come from lending a hand. If you are fit, it is much easier to help your parents move furniture or stop a stroller from rolling into the street.
Wisdom that can be applied to working out:
Proverbs 3:34 states: “To the humble he gives favor.”
Galatians 6:9 states: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
These verses are surprisingly applicable to fitness. It can be frustrating to not see progress or get immediate results. If we keep in mind that we will reap what we sow, we can ease our frustrations and not rush to see results. Rushing is equivalent of biting off more than you can chew. If you keep in mind that God favors the humble, you can recognize that you aren’t prepared and stay patient. This is especially important in lifting weights. Ego-lifting leads to injury. Being humble allows consistent progress. Humility emphasizes proper form and an understanding of our limits. The best way to achieve fitness goals is through patience, humility, and self-control.
Conclusion and reminders
Through God, we can achieve an unmatchable level of motivation. We seek to imitate Jesus Christ, who was strong enough to bear the cross and the sins of everyone. Christ, who was fit enough to wander the desert for 40 days and nights. While we can never match his Godly level of strength and endurance, we show our gratitude by trying to be healthier. Let us work hard to build up our temples.
