Physical exercise is a powerful way to honor God by strengthening your body so you can use it well to fulfill God’s purposes for your life. Strength is a blessing, and when you exercise through activities like walking, running, biking, playing a sport, or working out in a gym, you’re preparing yourself to live a life of strong faith.

The Bible compares your earthly lifetime to a race of faith that God wants you to train to run well. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, the Apostle Paul writes: “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 one that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly or 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.” Hebrews 12:1 urges: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Also, exercise can help you fight stress, anxiety, and depression – issues that can interfere with your spiritual growth. Physical activity releases endorphins that contribute to mental well-being. Instead of seeing exercise as a chore, view it as an act of worship. Use the time you exercise to pray, listen to worship music, or meditate on Bible verses. Ask God to help you stay motivated and disciplined because your physical training will help you with your spiritual training. As 1 Timothy 4:8 points out: “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

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