Run the Race

Like it or not, regular exercise is important for your body. It keeps your heart strong, which helps to pump blood all over your body. It makes your bones and muscles strong and keeps your lungs healthy. Exercise also sends oxygen to your brain and helps you think clearly. But there’s an even more important reason to stay active and keep fit.

Your body is a gift to you from God, one He’s entrusted to your care. Your body was specially designed and created by God (Psalm 139:14). If you’re a believer in Jesus, God even promises to resurrect your body, just like when Jesus rose from the grave (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Philippians 3:20-21). The Bible also says that when you trust in Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in you, which means your body is His temple— it belongs to Him and you are to honor Him with it (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

How do you do that? By keeping your body healthy and clean, by making good choices about exercise and nutrition, and by staying away from activities or substances that are harmful. Simply put, you can honor God through caring for the body He’s given you—which is a very good metaphor for how to honor God in all areas of your life.

For daily training, regularly spend time reading the Bible and praying—on your own and with other Christians. For nutrition, fill your heart with spiritual nourishment: truth about Jesus—found in His Word. For coaching, find mature Christians who can encourage you as you grow as a Christian. And for your team, seek good Christian friends. Get to know people of all ages at your church.

And, finally, there’s perseverance. Don’t give up! God will help you get through even the hardest days. You have His help every morning as you wake up (Lamentations 3:22-23). As a Christian, you are never alone in the race of faith. Jesus Christ is with you always (Matthew 28:20). He will complete the work He started in you (Philippians 1:6). • Ann-Margret Hovsepian

• Why are our bodies important to God?

• What would daily training, nutrition, coaching, teamwork, and perseverance look like in your own walk with Christ?

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)

Read Verses:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-3