Physical Activity and Christian Living

March 16, 2023

The human body, in its divine design, is capable of developing amazing abilities of all sorts, over time.  No where, except in the human body can you see such a range of abilities - from linebackers to ballerinas. The body is an engineering marvel - our feet, our hands, the thumb!  No material entity in God’s created world is more complex, more fascinating, more marvelous, more valuable than human life which God designed specifically to represent himself in his created world.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made in order to point to God’s glory. 


Psalm 139:13-14 ESV “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

We easily overlook what a super power bodily movement is. We are living in a sedentary age and our modern world allows us to move our bodies less and less.  Technology helps us to move as little as possible. The bible, however, is clear that we are to take good care of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) but ,at the same time, warns against vanity (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 31:30; 1 Peter 3:3-4). Our goal in exercise should not be to improve the quality of our bodies so that other people will notice and admire us. Rather, the goal of exercising should be to improve our physical health so we will possess more physical energy that we can devote to spiritual goals.


Common Misconceptions About the Body and Physical Fitness:


  1. The body doesn’t matter - God made and sustains all things. He made all things for his glory, including our bodies. 
  2. What I do from my body is disconnected from my soul -The bible depicts humans as essentially holistic beings. There is continual interaction between our body and spirit e.g., Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
  3. Exercise doesn’t matter 
  4. We are to love God with our minds and regular exercise improves alertness, attention and motivation
  5. We are to love God with our strength 
  6. Exercise can increase the amount of effective time for ministry as fitness does offer a better chance of life expectancy 
  7. Brings about overall discipline in our lives and enable us to better love God with our heart, soul, mind and strength
  8. Physical appearance and athletic accomplishments define me - Our identity should come from our union with Christ so that appearance and accomplishments might describe us but they do not define us; pursuing athletic accomplishments or a sculpted physique should never become an idol.
  9. Care for outward appearance is the best way to attract and keep a godly spouse - The bible’s descriptions of husbands and wives focus on character rather than appearance; attraction often increases and intensifies over the course of a godly marriage even when our bodies deteriorate.
  10. Philippians 4:13 is about my bench press and 1 Corinthians 6:19 is about my diet - Improper interpretation of bible verses, taken out of context, ultimately leads to disappointment and despair.


What Biblical Concepts Should Be Primary When The Christian Thinks About Physical Fitness And Wellness?


  1. Worship - Romans 12:1 “Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship”. Fitness should be done as an act of worship, recognizing that any level of fitness or athletic ability you possess is because God has graciously given that to you.
  2. Stewardship - We will give an account for how we steward or faithfully use everything God has entrusted to us, including our bodies. We should use our bodies for holiness not impurity, for worship not idolatry, and for gospel ministry not idleness or indifference.
  3. Effectiveness in Ministry - There are numerous practical benefits resulting from physical exercise that can enhance our ability to minister to others (sustained vigor, improved focus, emotional stability, and ability to travel to others).
  4. Character Formation - Exercise provides good training for life.  It can help to develop a mindset and promote habits of perseverance so that we will gravitate towards dealing with the hard things of life in a healthy way.
  5. Pleasure - God put chemicals into our bodies (e.g., endorphins, dopamine, serotonin) that are raised during intensive sessions of physical activity.  These chemicals produce feelings of pleasure.
  6. Evangelistic Opportunity - Whether you are in a gym, on a sports team, or running with a partner, these all provide opportunities to share the gospel with others.
  7. Bodily Discipline - Bodily discipline produces a disposition to discipline that is transferable to other areas of life.


Stouffville Christian School’s athletics program provides a dynamic environment where competitiveness, teamwork, and self discipline are promoted. Our goal is to build Christ-like character and good sportsmanship which will become lifelong traits.  We want each of our students to marvel at God’s design of the human body, to take good care of their body, to celebrate when their body can do amazing things, and offer their body back to God as an act of worship. Visit https://www.stouffvillechristianschool.com/school-life#Athletics to find out more about our athletics program.


**With information taken from “A Christian Guide to Body Stewardship, Diet and Exercise” by David Peterson Ed.D, Jeremy Kimble Ph.D, & Trent Rogers Ph.D from the School of Allied Health at Cedarville University

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