Should A Christian Exercise?

Quick answer

Exercise helps us stay healthy, provides enjoyment, and can be a hobby. We need to have a proper perspective on exercise; we can enjoy caring for our bodies while also caring for our spiritual health.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

God is our Creator and cares about our physical bodies. Because we are God’s handiwork, we should take care to look after the physical bodies He has given us. Jesus came to Earth as a physical person, which also demonstrates God’s regard for us as physical beings. In the New Testament, Paul reminds believers that their bodies are from God, so they should be treated with honor. Our bodies are described as the temple of the Holy Spirit, so if we do not take care of them , we are neglecting the temple of God. Exercise, in balance with other health habits, is part of caring for our bodies. The Bible’s view of physical health is one of balance with a person’s spiritual health. We are reminded that, though our bodies are important and should be treated with care, they do not last forever. Our spirits, however, are eternal and will live on forever. We should not neglect spiritual health nor excessively pursue physical fitness or a perfect appearance; both should be in balance for our total well-being.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

When God sent Samuel to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king, He reminded the prophet that He “looks on the heart,” not like human beings who tend to focus on appearance (1 Samuel 16:17).

Psalm 139:13-14: God knitted each of us together, making us in His own image. Our physical bodies have value to God because we bear His image and are His own creation. We should take care of them through healthy habits, like exercise.

Our main motivation for exercise should not be vanity. Proverbs 31:30 points out that physical beauty does not last, so it should not be the main focus of our lives. Rather, we should pursue God and learn to fear Him more.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

One of the largest aspects to Jesus’s earthly ministry was His healing of many who had physical ailments and illnesses, through which He showed the importance of our physical health (Matthew 4:23).

In Matthew 6:32, Jesus tells His followers that God knows all of their physical needs and will provide for them.

Mark 8:1-8: Jesus expresses concern for a large crowd that had not eaten and had come to learn from Him. He feeds them miraculously, demonstrating His care about our physical health and well-being.

The apostle Paul points out in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit who lives within us upon our acceptance of Christ. We are to glorify God with our physical bodies. That means taking proper care of our health.

In 1 Timothy 4:8, Paul conveys to Timothy that physical training is good, but that the pursuit of godliness is even greater.

In a letter to Timothy, Paul suggests a treatment to improve his protégé’s physical health (1 Timothy 5:23). This shows the importance of physical well-being. .

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Exercise is a practical way to honor God by caring for the incredible bodies He designed for us. It boosts our energy, strengthens us to serve others, and enhances our mental clarity to focus on His work. When we move, whether walking, lifting, or playing sports, we can celebrate the gift of health and the ability to enjoy life. Exercise also equips us to better handle life’s challenges, from physical demands to emotional stress, enabling us to persevere in our spiritual and everyday responsibilities. We can glorify God in the way we exercise and for the reasons we do it. At the same time, we should find a balance between the care of our physical bodies and our spiritual health.

UNDERSTAND

Exercise and taking care of our physical health reveals good stewardship of the bodies God has given us.

Exercise, physical health, and appearances can become an idol.

Christians should not neglect spiritual health but should find a balance of spiritual and physical care.

REFLECT

How can you honor God through the way you care for your physical body?

How does your attitude toward exercise or physical appearance reflect what is in your heart?

How can you ensure that your spiritual health remains a priority while caring for your physical health?

ENGAGE

How can we encourage both physical and spiritual health in balanced ways?

How does recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit shape our perspective on exercise and wellness?

How can we evaluate if our focus on physical health has become an idol, and how can we realign it with God's priorities?