It has come to my attention that some people think that pursuing fitness is a vain or ungodly endeavor; that anyone who desires to be fit must be doing so for the reasons of vanity and wanting to get attention. Some people think that muscles are built for the reasons of pride and that beauty should be muted as much as possible.
As I reflect on the thoughts of some, it comes to mind that God created our bodies and has asked us to partner with Him in caring for them. In yesteryear this was easy to do, since nearly all work was manual labor, and the foods eaten were grown right in your yard, but today that has all changed. Is this a bad thing? No, but it certainly changes the way it looks to take care of God's beautiful creation; man. Today we must be more mindful about getting in activity, because most of us are in cars or at desks day in and day out to make a living. We must be evermore aware of what we put into our mouths, because most of us are time-crunched and need foods that are available quickly. Is this awareness evil? Of course not...it is wise! Should it be all-consuming? Absolutely not, but it should be a factor in the minds of every God-fearing individual each day.
In order to maintain a healthy and fit body, we must be living healthy and fit lifestyles, which means eating healthy foods and getting regular activity. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body," (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). What does your body say to God?
Of course, there are definitely other sides of this factor, like our mindset with everything. Is there a possibility that when getting fit and healthy that temptations for pride, lust, vanity, etc can come? Yes, absolutely, but just because there is a temptation does not mean there will be a fall, and just because there may be a temptation does NOT mean that one should not follow that path at all. Living healthy, getting fit, having muscles, etc is not evil in and of itself. It is not against God, in and of itself. The bible even uses athletes as some of the best examples for us to look at to see how we should discipline our lives! "I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified," (1 Corinthians 9:27). Is getting fit the be all and end all of existence? No, absolutely not! "All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize," (1 Corinthians 9:25).
But, what can be gained through getting fit and healthy? Well, there is certainly the aspect of discipline that is learned. If you learn how to discipline yourself you can apply that in every area of your life! What lost cause is that?! You can also learn plenty of information about self-control, contentment, patience, perseverance, and more. All of these are beautiful qualities of the character of God, and they are available to the person who desires them! Can a person go into physical training with purely superficial intent? Of course, but can God use it to teach them even deeper lessons for His great pleasure and use? MOST DEFINITELY!
But, someone may be thinking that it is safer to stay unchanged in the safe little life that has been created around you. "After all, I know this life, and I am prepared for this life, so I can handle any temptations and tests that fall within this structure." But, where is the faith in that? Where is the challenge to grow and press forward, and strive, and mature, and prosper?! The life that remains unchanged becomes a cage to restrict us from becoming more and more influential for Christ! Staying put is a fear-based decision of not wanting to rock the boat. Jesus wants us to walk on water! Stop looking at the enormous waves crashing around you (i.e. the potential for failure, or pain, or hurting others, etc) and keep your eyes of Him who makes you able to walk!
I have been held back by my own mind, stagnant in my life and comfortable where I was, but I realized that it was exactly where Satan wanted me, because I my sphere of influence was severely limited! Do I still struggle with this? Yes, absolutely, but I am willing to walk with God to get me through this tunnel, because I want to be used by Him! By dealing with my weight issues, I have received such immense freedom! By trusting God's leading to take control of my health, I have gained so much energy!!! I am now so much more usable for Him, because I have vitality in my day! I have life to offer Him! Do I believe God will finish what He begins? Absolutely! "...He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion..." (Philippians 1:6). But, do I also believe that it is up to me to take care of my body so that I am able to do the things God asks me to complete? Most definitely!
If we want to have healthy bodies, should they just magically change? Or should we use the minds that God put in us to tend to our lives, take a hold of the self-control that is in us through the Holy Spirit, and discipline our bodies to act according to our knowledge? Should we manage our days effectively to allow for adequate time to have physical activity, and ensure that it is part of the normal daily routine? Absolutely! That sounds a whole lot more like what God teaches throughout His Book. We have the ability to take a hold of our lives, working within His creation, to "reap what we sow"; sowing healthy foods into our bodies and regular activity into our days and reaping increased energy, healthier bodies/minds, and a longer presence on this planet. These are the things we can control. God has given us all the tools necessary to take care of ourselves, but we must use them! And, as always, there are certainly plenty of people along the same path who want a partner to walk with them. We should be encouraging such endeavors as this, knowing the difference between healthy intentions and idolizing a particular physique result. If we know our brothers and sisters are healthy in their intent, lets show support and offer a helping hand! We can all serve each other in this way, too!
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