Fit Inside Out
To all those fitness enthusiasts, what good does it do to have a fit body when your soul is perishing? While there's nothing wrong with being healthy and taking care of the body God has given us, it is crucial to remember that our spiritual health is even more important. In our quest for physical excellence, it's easy to overlook the state of our soul. The Bible reminds us in 1 Timothy 4:8, "For bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
Taking care of our bodies is undoubtedly beneficial. We are, after all, temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Exercise, nutrition, and rest are essential for maintaining the health of our bodies. However, if we focus solely on physical health and neglect our spiritual well-being, we make a grave mistake. Our physical bodies are temporary, but our souls are eternal.
Jesus posed a critical question in Matthew 16:26, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" This verse emphasizes the incomparable value of our soul compared to all the world's physical gains. Physical fitness, wealth, and worldly success are fleeting, but the state of our soul has everlasting consequences.
While you invest time in exercise, nutrition, and rest for your body, consider investing equally, if not more, in your soul. Make time to read the Word of God, pray, and seek fellowship with other believers. Develop a relationship with Jesus Christ, who offers eternal life and a soul that is truly fit for eternity. In John 6:27, Jesus advises, "Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you."
True wellness encompasses both body and soul. Physical fitness without spiritual health is incomplete. As you strive for physical goals, don't forget to nurture your soul with the love and teachings of Christ. This balance will lead to a fulfilled and meaningful life, both now and forever.
In the end, it’s not the physical strength or the perfect body that will matter most, but the condition of your soul and your relationship with God. So, while you work hard to keep your body in shape, remember to also keep your soul in shape through faith, prayer, and living according to God's Word. This holistic approach to health will ensure that you are truly fit for both this life and the life to come.
Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. I live by 1 Corinthians 9:16, Ephesians 3:7-8, and Colossians 1:28-29. In my retirement, I focus on study and sharing the teachings of God’s Word with others. Besides writing this Blog I maintain 3 Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God. Email: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com