A Physical and Spiritual Fitness Plan

It is difficult to remain spiritually strong living in a world where God’s laws and values are under constant attack. We need a plan to be successful!

Recently, I was asked how I cope with the stresses of this world—at work, home and living in an increasingly ungodly culture. We all know that it is difficult to be a Christian in this world, since we are surrounded with so many types of evil. None of us can survive spiritually in this world without God’s help and a plan of action. I believe the key is to be spiritually and physically in the best shape possible!

Physical fitness

You may wonder, How does being physically fit have anything to do with being spiritually strong? We are told to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Maintaining the body and brain with a proper amount of exercise, good nutrition and sleep keeps a person from becoming run-down physically and mentally. The Bible tells us that our “body is the temple of the Holy Spirit” and we are to “glorify God” in our “body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). If we are weak physically and mentally, our ability to be “on guard” against the spiritual dangers that surround us will be compromised.

• Exercise. Research has shown the importance of physical fitness to mental strength. According to Gretchen Reynolds in The New York Times Magazine, research shows that physical “exercise appears to build a brain that resists physical shrinkage and [to] enhance cognitive flexibility.” Reynolds also states that research suggests that “exercise … seems to slow or reverse the brain’s physical decay, much as it does with muscles.” Sufficient sleep, proper diet and exercise all provide a positive effect on the cognitive part of the brain and help alleviate stress and feelings of depression and worthlessness.
• Diet. How we eat also affects our mind and body—helping to maintain a healthy weight, prevent mental health problems and provide a balanced mood. Research suggests that “good nutrition is essential for our mental health and that a number of mental health conditions may be influenced by dietary factors” (Mentalhealth.org).
• Sleep. According to the Franklin Institute, “Any amount of sleep deprivation will diminish mental performance” We need to be alert and mentally sharp to battle the spiritual challenges that we face daily (Luke 21:36; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:6).

Spiritual fitness

Exercise, diet and sleep are important, but they are not enough. The most important thing we need is a spiritual plan of action—a plan for what we could call spiritual fitness!

• Prayer. Prayer keeps our relationship with God from decaying, just like physical exercise keeps our physical bodies and brains from decay. Many things can happen that can affect the mind, attitude and body; but God tells us to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Prayer is important when facing the challenges of the day. It is wise to follow David’s example of praying in the morning, afternoon and evening (Psalm 55:17).
• Bible study. Bible study is how we keep our minds in tune with God’s mind. In order to have effective Bible study, we must discipline ourselves to regularly take time away from worldly influences and focus on reading God’s Word. Once peace and quiet is obtained, we can study properly to show ourselves “approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Bible study provides the proper spiritual nutrition we need to face the world on a daily basis. King David wrote in Psalm 119:11, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Having God’s Word in us helps keep our minds focused on God and His ways.
• Meditation. Bible study alone is not enough. We have to think deeply on what we read and how to apply it to our lives. This is called meditation. Joshua recorded God’s instruction to him and to us today: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8). Meditation takes what has been studied and converts it into a more permanent part of the mind, memory and character.

Life can be overwhelming without a plan. God’s people need to be alert physically and spiritually to survive the many negative influences of this world.

For further insight into the disciplines that make us stronger Christians, read about Prayer, Fasting and Meditation.