2. Getting in shape gives you the physical discipline to help drive your spiritual disciplines.
“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.” 1 Corinthians 9:23-27
Guys like the Apostle Paul didn’t need to work out. They walked hundreds of miles and ate fish, bread, veggies, and fruit. But Paul used sports analogies so often in his epistles that I wouldn’t be surprised if Paul did some kind of work out routine (Paul 90X?).
But whatever the case, the Apostle Paul seems to understand the connection between spiritual disciplines and physical ones. This thread of connection reminds us that our bodies do matter. Healthy bodies mean sharper minds. Sharper minds mean better study. Better study means stronger sermons. There is a connection. We don’t want to over-spiritualize the connection. But we don’t want to under do it either.
First Peter 4:7 reminds us, “The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” It’s easier to be alert as you pray if your heart is strong and your body is healthy. Take it from me; sweet hours of prayer can turn into fat naps if we are out of shape physically.
3. Getting in shape will help you face down temptation more effectively.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan, he was tempted when he was at his weakest physically (Matthew 4:1-3.) Jesus had just completed a 40-day fast, and Satan attacked when he knew Jesus’ body was worn down. I’m sure he figured that if there was an ideal time to see if he could get Jesus to sin, it was when his body was at its weakest physically.
I am convinced the Tempter does the same thing with church leaders. He knows it is when we are at our weakest physically that we are most likely to let our guards down spiritually. Obviously, working out doesn’t give you an automatic victory over Satan’s temptation, but it gives you an advantage over your more saggy cohorts.
How can you start getting in shape? Try walking or running. I’ve done both P-90X and, most recently, Insanity and have seen good results. But whatever you choose to do, do something. Do anything. Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Either that or get used to them fat naps.
