It is always good to exercise to be prepared for anything that God calls us to do, but Christians must be careful.
While there are many biblical and health reasons for exercising, always watch out for vanity because if you are not careful exercising can be a huge idol in a believers life, especially when it comes to bodybuilding and weightlifting.
Are there benefits to exercising and can Christians do it? Yes, but should that be a believers main focus? Of course not because godliness and spiritual training is more important than physical training.
1. We honor God by taking care of our bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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 bodies.
1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
2. It is valuable, but of course it is not more valuable than godliness.
1 Timothy 4:8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
3. Our bodies are members of Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!
4. To discipline yourself.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Proverbs 25:28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
5. It will help with gluttony.
Philippians 3:19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
Proverbs 25:16 If you find honey, eat just enough too much of it, and you will vomit.
Proverbs 23:2 And put a knife to your throat If you are a man of great appetite.
6. It will help with laziness.
Ecclesiastes 10:18 Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads to a leaky house.
Proverbs 12:24 Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
Proverbs 10:4 Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.
Proverbs 10:5 He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
7. You will be healthy.
3 John 1:2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
Other benefits of exercising
- You will be a positive example for your kids in this slothful generation.
- To be physically healthy for doing God’s will.
- It helps you sleep better.
- Exercise reduces stress and fatigue.
- To stay attractive for your spouse.
- It helps with high blood pressure.