Exercise
January’s New Letter – Exercise
The Importance of Exercise: Honoring God with Our Bodies
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”1 Corinthians 6:19–20
Our bodies are precious gifts from God. They are not simply vessels for our daily routines, but temples of the Holy Spirit. To honor God fully, we must also care for the physical health He has entrusted to us. One of the simplest ways to do this is through regular exercise.
Why Exercise Matters Spiritually
Exercise is more than just a health habit; it is spiritual discipline. A strong, energized body helps us to:
Serve others more effectively: With greater strength and stamina, we can meet life’s duties joyfully.
Stay mentally sharp: Physical activity clears the mind, supporting prayer and study.
Reflect God’s order and balance: Just as Scripture and prayer nurture the soul, movement nurtures the body.
“Paul knew that those who neglect physical work soon become enfeebled. He desired to teach young ministers that by working with their hands; by bringing into exercise their muscles and sinews, they would become strong to endure the toils and privations that awaited them in the gospel field.” (AA 352.3)
The Blessings of Simple Movement
You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment to keep fit. God has provided us with the ability to move, and often the simplest forms of exercise are the best. Just a few minutes each day can bring lasting benefits.
Here are 5 simple exercises you can do at home:
Walking in Place 🏃♀️: March or step in place for 10–15 minutes to get the heart pumping.
Stretching 🙆: Gentle stretches for arms, legs, and back improve flexibility and circulation.
Bodyweight Strength 💪: Squats, lunges, or wall push-ups build muscle without any equipment.
Core Movements 🌟: Try sit-ups, leg raises, or planks to strengthen your posture and balance.
Praise in Motion 🎶: Put on uplifting Christian music and move/dance, march, or sway in worship.
Closing Thought
Exercise is not about vanity; it is about faithful stewardship. Each step, stretch, and movement is an opportunity to glorify God by caring for the body He created.
As the psalmist declared:
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:14).
Let us embrace exercise as a blessing, not a burden, an act of gratitude and devotion to our Creator.