What does the Bible say about exercise? Truly, exercise and physical activity are mentioned more than you might think, and what's said can serve us well in learning how to care for our bodies through physical activity. Let me be perfectly clear, however, that what is said in scripture about physical activity is by and large secondary to doctrine, ideas, and principles that are much more important that exercise itself. In fact, most if not all references to exercise seem to be metaphors to demonstrate heavenly principles rather than guides to our earthly bodies. Non the less, these references are quite useful. Let's look at one:
Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8
So, what can we gather from this passage that helps us live a healthier life? At first glance you may even think that Paul dismisses exercise here as worthless. However, what I think Paul does here is puts exercise in its rightful place as an activity that has earthly value and when done with the right intent can reflect our desire to worship and glorify God in all we do.
Our bodies were designed by God to be active, and physical activity should be viewed as a vital nutrient our body needs. Just like getting vitamins and minerals in our foods is needed for normal physiology, resistance activities and regular movement is need for the normal funciton of many systems and pathways in the body. But more so we were designed to use all of ourselves for godliness, including our physical bodies. Physically activity ("bodily training") is of some value according to Paul, and he is clear that the value is earthly ("it holds promise in the present life"), but it is superseded by godliness which also holds promise "for the life to come".
And what does it mean to be godly?
According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, godliness is the whole of practical piety. "It supposes knowledge, veneration, affection, dependence, submission, gratitude, and obedience."
Paul tells us to "train ourselves for godliness" (v7), and just like physical training, training for godliness takes discipline and continual effort over time; constant increase and repetition in knowledge, veneration, affection, dependence, submission, gratitude, and obedience to God.
Paul gives us a more definite definition in the preceding chapter:
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16
In other words, if you want to know godliness, look to Jesus. Look to his knowledge of, veneration and affection for, dependence on, submission, gratitude, and obedience to God the father. We train ourselves in godliness when we model ourselves after Him; when we approach all of life with the intention, passion, and purpose of Jesus, and that includes exercise. When we work out with the right intent, God's kingdom can be served. When we exercise to keep or maintain strength in order to better serve our family, friends, neighbors, or community we have the right intent. When we exercise because we want to look good we have the wrong intent. When our activities strengthen relationships we have the right intent. When they create barriers, it's the wrong intent. When we are light to others in the gym or on the field, we demonstrate godliness.
What you do for physical activity is less important than what you believe the activity is for. What is your intent? Do You do it with purpose? With passion?
