The Bible may not talk about fitness in the way modern health experts do, but it certainly offers wisdom on caring for our bodies and living a life of discipline. Scripture reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, given to us by God. This perspective encourages us to maintain our health and strength, not just for physical appearance or personal satisfaction, but to honor God and be effective in the work He has called us to do. While physical training has some value, the Bible places greater emphasis on spiritual health and growth, suggesting a balance between physical and spiritual fitness. The overarching message is clear: care for your body responsibly and with gratitude for its Creator, but prioritize your spiritual well-being, knowing that it holds eternal value.
Want to see how fitness fits into a biblical lifestyle? Let’s unpack what Scripture says about maintaining our physical and spiritual health.
What Does the Bible Say About Fitness?
In Scripture, the concept of fitness encompasses more than just physical health; it’s about holistic well-being, including physical, spiritual, and mental health. The Bible advocates for a balanced approach to fitness, recognizing the importance of physical health but elevating the value of spiritual vitality.
Physical fitness is acknowledged in the Bible through various examples of individuals who needed strength and endurance to fulfill God’s purposes, from warriors like David and Samson to messengers like Philip who ran to share the gospel. These instances highlight the role of physical health in enabling us to serve God effectively.
However, the New Testament, in particular, shifts the focus towards spiritual fitness, emphasizing disciplines like prayer, fasting, and meditating on God’s Word. Paul compares the Christian life to a race, requiring discipline, self-control, and focus, drawing parallels between physical and spiritual training.
The principle of stewardship also applies to our bodies. We are encouraged to care for our bodies wisely as gifts from God, using them to glorify Him. This means making choices that promote health and strength, enabling us to be ready and able to do God’s work.
Yet, the Bible cautions against idolizing physical fitness or letting it consume our time and attention at the expense of our relationship with God. The priority is always to “seek first the kingdom of God,” with the understanding that our physical health is a tool, not an end in itself.
In essence, the Bible supports the idea of fitness when it is pursued with the right motives: to honor God with our bodies, to serve Him effectively, and to maintain the temple of the Holy Spirit. It encourages a balanced life where physical training is one aspect of a broader commitment to living according to God’s will.
Bible Verses About Fitness
- 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.” This verse underscores the importance of caring for our bodies as a spiritual act of worship.
- 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.” Paul acknowledges the benefit of physical exercise while emphasizing the superior value of spiritual growth.
- 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.” John’s greeting to Gaius reflects a holistic view of health, wishing for both physical and spiritual well-being.
- Proverbs 31:17 – “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” The Proverbs 31 woman is an example of physical strength in service to her family and community, indicating the value of fitness in fulfilling our responsibilities.
- Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” This metaphor of a race illustrates the discipline and endurance required in the Christian life, paralleling physical fitness with spiritual perseverance.
- Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Paul uses athletic imagery to describe his spiritual journey, emphasizing the discipline and focus necessary to achieve spiritual goals, similar to how athletes train to achieve physical ones.
- 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.” Here, Paul highlights the importance of self-discipline and controlling one’s body to ensure spiritual integrity and effectiveness in ministry.
- Proverbs 24:5 – “A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength.” This proverb suggests that wisdom and knowledge contribute to one’s strength, indicating that fitness encompasses mental and spiritual dimensions, not just physical.
- Ecclesiastes 9:11 – “I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.” Solomon observes that physical strength and speed do not guarantee success, reminding us that our dependence should ultimately be on God’s sovereignty rather than our physical abilities.
- Isaiah 40:29-31 – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah offers encouragement that God provides the strength needed to endure life’s challenges, emphasizing that true strength comes from relying on God.
These verses illustrate that while the Bible values physical health and fitness, it places greater emphasis on spiritual well-being and the strength that comes from a relationship with God. The discipline and commitment we apply to physical training can also be applied to our spiritual lives, where the ultimate goal is to live in a way that honors God and furthers His kingdom. By maintaining a balance between physical and spiritual fitness, we can be fully equipped to carry out the purposes God has for us.