We Know Staying Healthy is Important to Live- But How Is It Important to God? 5 Uncommon Reasons Why You Should Stay Fit

In this post, you’ll read 5 different ways to look at health through the eyes of God and how to stay biblical on your fitness journey.

The importance of going to the gym, eating clean, and staying away from alcohol and drugs is something you hear nearly every day. Whether it’s on your social media feed, your friends, family, or health class, physical health is harped on just about everywhere.

And it makes sense why- of course, anyone would want to have peak physical health for longevity, an overall sense of health, better body, etc. But to God, maintaining your physical health means more than that.

Here’s what I mean:

In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So Glorify God in your body”

To unpack this quote, we can start by looking at the reasons most people want to stay healthy.

The biggest motivator I’ve seen is getting a better body. Women want a bigger butt and a flatter stomach; men want an eight pack and big biceps. The driving force behind this is vanity.

People want to look better to attract more people and be the most attractive person in the room. I’ve fallen short to this and went to the gym to fit unrealistic social media standards. I was insecure about how I looked, and I simply wanted more people to like me.

Bottom line, a lot of people want to be fit for all the wrong reasons.

As a Christian, we should be looking at things as a way to reflect Jesus rather than glorifying ourselves. Health is a great way to do this!

What if instead of looking at fitness as a way to look better for ourselves, other people, and social media, we look at it as these 5 things:

1. Staying Sober = Clearer Mind To Grow with God

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour”

There are plenty of benefits to staying sober, one of which is having the clarity to see and hear God when He needs you to.

Alcohol and drugs take you just about as far away from God as possible- they take you away from yourself. Not being able to be present leaves you in a vulnerable position for anyone and anything to take advantage of you.

Staying sober allows you to maintain your health and focus to grow with God instead of straying away.

2. Longer Life= More Time to Glorify God

This one may sound silly and straightforward, but I think it’s important to note.

The longer you live, the longer you’re able to grow in the Word, impact more people with Jesus, and learn as much as can while still on earth.

God put you here for a reason! Use as much time as possible to fulfill His plan for you.

3. Staying Modest in The Gym= Being an Example in Leading More People Towards Jesus | Ministering Your Body Vs. Ministering Jesus

Now, let’s talk about modesty.

1 Timothy 2:9-10 ” I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, without elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God”

Modesty should be geared towards both men and women, but this verse shows how important it is to glorify God rather than yourself.

Being active in the gym means seeing plenty of people in revealing, tight clothes. I, too, have worn spandex and a sports bra and called it a day. I thought that it gave me more confidence being able to see more of myself. That was until I realized everyone else can see more of me too. Constant unwanted stares and lustful looks.

One of the first t-shirts I wore to the gym was a “Made for More” t-shirt by the company He Would Love First | The Answer To What Would Jesus Do, and I actually got a compliment on it within the first 20 minutes of my workout! It felt nice to be seen for the uplifting words on my shirt rather than my body.

I saw a quote the other day that said “Minister Jesus, Not Your Body,” and I think that is a great motto if you are also struggling with staying modest. It’s normalized to dress provocatively, but you can take the step to lead others towards dressing for something other than yourself.

Why would you want to attract people who are just looking at you for your body anyway?

4. Better Health= More Energy, Focus, and Time Spent Glorifying God

3 John 1:2 “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may in good health, as it goes well with your soul”

Physical and mental health go hand in hand. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying before “You have a million problems until your health becomes one. Then you only have one problem.”

Many of us take health for granted. The freedom physical ability gives us is one of God’s biggest blessings. Don’t waste it!

The better your health is, the more time and focus you can spend on growing in your faith.

The next time you don’t feel like working out, remember there are so many people who would kill to be in your shoes. Do it for those who can’t. And do it for God who gave you the ability to move!

5. Working Out and Getting Stronger= Teaches Discipline and Shows We Are Using What God Gave Us To Better Ourselves

One of the biggest takeaways from fitness journeys isn’t actually your new body or physical health- but the mental growth you build along the way.

Staying consistent is difficult. Lifting heaver is difficult. Luckily, things don’t owe you ease! Neither does the Lord. Anything worth doing is going to take effort and discipline.

The Lord instilled in us the ability to grow our muscles, to grow our mental strength, and the want to better ourselves. We should use this to it’s fullest potential. God made us the way He did for a reason, after all, we are made in His image. Utilize what blessings you have and make the choice to be even just 1% better everyday.

This post was all about how to look at health in a different light and include God in your fitness goals.

Written By: Ava Christiana, a 19-year-old hoping to lead more people to Jesus.

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