Having recently recovered from a lengthy illness I’m in the process of getting back into regular workouts and making better food choices. Thus far, the greatest challenge has been motivation. In fact, writing this blog is part of confronting that challenge. By encouraging others to be physically fit I put more pressure on myself to do the same. Another self-motivation is determining why I should seek to maintain physical well-being. Why should we seek to keep our bodies healthy and in good condition? Here are some of the reasons I’ve discovered for getting and staying physically fit.

1. Our Bodies are a Stewardship.

I believe the foundational truth regarding physical fitness is that our bodies are a stewardship. The Bible says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Our Creator, the ultimate Master-Craftsman, has fearfully and wonderfully designed our bodies for the express purpose of glorifying him. Failure to respect and take care of what rightfully belongs to the Lord is sin. We need to consider ourselves accountable to God for what we do with our bodies and how we take care of them.

If you don’t have a devotional time with the Lord each day I whole-heartedly encourage you to begin and to develop that important habit. And in your daily prayer time follow the Apostle Paul’s advice and “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1

2. Physical Health affects Spiritual Health.

One reason men often make bad choices is because they don’t feel good. It’s when we’re physically tired and run down that we become vulnerable to temptation. Often when men feel bad physically and self-esteem is running low, they seek wrong things to make themselves feel better. Satan knows this and will use it against us. Remember, he tempted our Lord Jesus when he had just gone through an extended fast and was physically weak.

3. Others are Depending on You.

Men who take care of their bodies are better able to serve others. Staying fit leads to feeling better which definitely enables us to minister to others more effectively. Your family needs you to be at your best both physically and spiritually. The church also benefits from men who actively serve with fervency and passion. Poor health has been used as an excuse for not serving the church body when the real hindrance is failure to keep in shape.

Listen, at 70 I’m finding it much more difficult to stay strong and healthy. Metabolism decreases as we age and it’s more difficult to build and maintain muscle mass. And though I know that my strength is declining as I get older, I’m determined to do all I can to stay fit for Jesus. My prayer is the same as the psalmist who prayed:

Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent…So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. Psalm 71:9,18