Faith + Fitness Challenge: Why Spiritual & Physical Disciplines are Good for the Body & Soul

Your body needs movement. We were designed to be constantly moving. From the breath in our lungs, to the waves of the ocean to even the rotation of the Earth, movement is around us constantly.

The only time we aren’t moving is when we’re dead.

I think this says a lot about how God designed us and why it’s important to always be moving - moving your body and also moving your soul (growing).

Spiritual movement is essential to becoming more intimate with Jesus. James says, “Faith without works is dead”. So if we want to become closer to Christ, we must MOVE.

Spiritual movement has two parts:

1. Moving closer to God in knowledge and understanding.

2. Moving physically in the world as the hands and feet of Jesus.

James writes that true and pure religion is unstained from the world AND visits and meets the needs of the afflicted (James 2).

The way we stay unstained from the world is by keeping in close relationship with Jesus. We must keep learning, and keep growing as we live.

But we can’t stop there.

We must also sacrifice our time, bodies, and resources for those who need them most.

Spiritual movement looks like:

1. Getting in your Word daily and chewing on the wisdom of the Bible.

2. Praying and meditating on Scripture, waiting on God, and interceding for the church and the world.

3. Worshipping with a pure heart. Not seeking God for personal gain, but recognizing His position and authority in this world.

4. Meeting the needs of the people around you. Moving for them. Using your body as a living sacrifice.

5. Remaining unstained and consecrated to the Lord- holy and set apart. Not living like the rest of the world lives, but being an example for others.

Physical disciplines are just as important as spiritual ones.

What you eat, your daily habits, lifestyle routines, workout plans, and sleep schedule. All of these affect how you feel and perform. You might not be a professional athlete, but God does expect us to show up in our best.

Most people today do not work out. It is sad, and no wonder why we struggle with so many medical issues. Diet, sleep, and physical movement are 3 simples ways we can combat illnesses.

As someone who has an autoimmune condition, narcolepsy with cataplexy, I understand the temptation to fall back on medications and neglect your health. It’s easier to settle and allow the condition to become the limiting factor.

But without healthy movement, your body is headed for destruction… death.

Rather than relying on medications and diagnosis alone, we should be proactive in moving our bodies so that we can perform our best for Christ.

Here are 3 simple ways to take charge of your health despite what the doctors might say:

1. Get enough sleep. When I was in college, so many athletes did not prioritize their sleep. The consequence? Poor performance.

   
   

   God created us to rest for two purposes: to recover and recharge.

   
   

   If we don’t prioritize rest, we will never be able to perform at our highest potential, by physically and spiritually.

   
   

2. Drink water and fuel your body properly. Good foods are lacking in today’s society. No wonder we are overweight, tired, and needing medications to help us act right. We aren’t fueling our bodies with good nutrients.

   
   

   Water, fruits, veggies, a good source of protein, and a variety of good fats, carbs, and fiber are essential to feeling your best. I used to crave the bad food, but once I started eating the good, my body hated the bad.

   
   

   Eating bad food is like sinning. It might feel good in the moment, but the long-term effects are costly. Choosing good foods means remaining focused on the long-term goals and desires you’re moving towards rather than the initial desire and pleasure. It means having self-control and patience as you fight the urge to give into the bad foods.

   
   

   Gluttony is a major reason we are failing in our physical health in America. We don’t know how to control our cravings! If you struggle with self-control around food, I encourage you to pray and fast for God to help you.

   
   

3. MOVE your body! Daily exercise is not only good for our physical health but our mental health too. Movement creates endorphins. “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy." (quote from Legally Blonde) Haha, but seriously.

   
   

   A simple way to fight depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, etc. is to get up and moving. Nature has a way of bringing us back to reality. When I run outside, I am reminded of the vastness of this world. How good God has been in my life, and how awesome it is that I get to move my body.

   
   

   Find a workout that suits you. And do it with a group of friends. Fitness + friends are a great way to achieve fitness goals, build community, and have a great time. You aren’t as tempted to stay stuck because you have accountability.

Remember, spiritual and physical goals can only be achieved through movement. When we focus our eyes on Jesus and cultivate habits that guide us in the right direction, we can grow into the person we aspire to be.

Comment below: What spiritual and physical disciplines do you desire to improve? How can you grow towards them and MOVE in your life today?

Related Topics: How to Partner Faith & Fitness as a New Mom