Should a Christian exercise?

Answer

As with many aspects of life, there are extremes in the realm of exercise. Some individuals solely focus on spirituality, neglecting their physical bodies. Others concentrate so heavily on the form and appearance of their physical bodies that they disregard spiritual growth and maturity. Neither of these scenarios reflects a balanced approach as outlined in the Bible. First Timothy 4:8 states, “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.” This verse emphasizes the importance of exercise while highlighting that godliness holds greater significance.

The apostle Paul also references physical training to convey spiritual truths in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. He compares the Christian journey to a race where we strive to “receive the prize.” However, the prize we seek is an eternal crown that will never lose its luster. In 2 Timothy 2:5, Paul mentions, “Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.” Paul employs athletic analogies again in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Although these Scriptures do not primarily focus on physical exercise, Paul’s use of athletic language to impart spiritual truths indicates his positive view of physical exercise and competition. As both physical and spiritual beings, we must not neglect either aspect of our health.

Therefore, it is evident that there is no harm in Christians engaging in exercise. On the contrary, the Bible instructs us to care for our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Simultaneously, theBible warns against vanity (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 31:30; 1 Peter 3:3-4). Our aim in exercise should not be to enhance our bodies’ quality for others to notice and admire. Instead, the purpose of exercising should be to enhance our physical health, providing us with more energy for spiritual pursuits.