Get Fit

1Timothy 4:7-8

“But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline (exercise, KJV) yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline (exercise, KJV) is of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:7-8, NASB).

Once again, I am at the health club for my early morning workout. I see Sandie, and I notice the inscription on her shirt. It reads, “I won’t quit till I’m fit.” I’m thinking, what do these words mean to Sandie? I speak to Sandie and ask her about the inscription. Sandie tells me that it is one thing to get fit, and it is another thing to stay fit. She goes on to tell me that getting in shape is different from being fit. You can be fit and not be in shape. I thank Sandie and I tell her that I will get back with her later to tell her why I asked her about the inscription. The scriptures at the beginning of this article express my purpose for this article. Just as we work out for our physical health, it is more important that we be spiritually fit in our Christian life. Let us begin by examining the scriptures above.

Paul writes to his protégé and son in the ministry, Timothy. Timothy is confronted with opposition from false teachers. Paul writes, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron” (1 Tim. 4:1-2, NASB). Timothy must be fit and stay fit in order to ward off the attacks of the enemies of the gospel. Timothy must discipline himself by engaging himself in right spiritual exercising on a daily bases.

In verses three and four the false teachers are saying that things that pertain to the body are necessary for salvation. Paul, on the other hand argues that while the abstaining from certain foods and exercising the body has some value for this life, it is better to discipline oneself toward godliness. “Bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (v. 8, NASB).

Let me insert this. There are far too many Christians that downplay the importance of physical exercise. There are far too many Christians that are sick and diseased because they do not take care of their bodies. The truth is this. Poor physical health and conditioning can lead to a diminishing of one’s spiritual health and well being. This can lead to one’s inability to effectively fulfill their assignment in the kingdom of God. How many pastors and other Christian leaders have their ministry diminished and ended because of sickness and death? I do not believe that Paul is dismissing physical health and well being. The problem is that the false teachers are promoting the needs of the body as primary for godliness.

Sandie says that it is one thing to get fit and another thing to stay fit. Also, there is a difference between being fit and being in shape. So, I Google the words “fit” and “shape:” These are some definitions that I found. Let’s begin with the word fit. One definition reads: “(of a thing) of a suitable quality, or type to meet the required purpose.” A second definition reads: “in good health, especially because of regular exercise.” Still, a third definition reads: “the particular way in which something, especially a garment or component fit around or into something.” We can say that being fit is a state of being. It is having overall good health, whether we are talking about physical health or spiritual health.

Now, being is shape is comparable to being fit, but they are not the same thing. Again, I Google the word “shape.” One definition reads: “the particular condition or state of something.” A second definition reads: “to give a particular for or shape;” “a definite form.” A third definition reads: “A mode of existence or form of being having identifying features.” A fourth definition reads: “the condition in which someone or something exist at a particular time.” We can say that being in shape means having the ability to do a particular thing at a particular time with a particular purpose in mind. Let me give an example.

A person can be in good physical health but not be in shape to compete in certain athletic events. At the same time a person can be in shape to compete in an athletic event but be in overall poor health. In fact one can be in shape to compete in one athletic event but not be in shape to compete in another event. The conditioning required to get in shape to play basketball is different from that needed to play football. What is said about being physically fit and in shape can be said about spiritual fitness and in shape?

So, how do we get fit spiritually? The same principles required to get fit physically apply to getting fit spiritually. Here are a few tips to help us in our Christian life. The first principle is that one needs to do a variety of exercises. A second principle is that one must eat foods that provide needed nutrients while avoiding foods that have too much salt, saturated fats, and empty calories. We must be particular about the things that we put into our minds, and we must avoid behaviors that have no spiritual value. Those that want to have overall good health exercises the whole body. In this way oxygenated blood and nutrients travels through every body part and system. As the blood carries oxygen to the cells it exchanges the oxygen for carbon dioxide to be expelled from the body.

We need the Holy Spirit to help us to put to death those things that hinder us from being healthy spiritual being. The idea of exchanging Christ likeness for idolatry is found throughout the bible. I like to read Colossians 3 because Paul reminds us of the things that are of the flesh that must be put to death in order to live by the things that are of God. An example of things in our life that are harmful to us is: “Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry” (Col. 3:5, NASB). An example of things that are helpful to us is: “So as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (v.12).

Now that we are getting the idea as to why we need a variety of spiritual exercises, what are some of the specific exercises that we can do to get fit? Pastor and author Dr. Don S. Whitney help us to get started on an exercise regime. The purpose of these disciplines is growth toward godliness. These include “Bible intake, prayer, worship, evangelism, serving, stewardship, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling, and learning” (Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Colorado Springs, Colorado: Navpress, 1993, p.15). Can you think of other needed disciplines? What happens when we engage ourselves in spiritual disciplines?

As we have seen the words discipline and exercise are interchangeable. Thus, what Whitney calls discipline we can call exercise. Now, when we exercise a muscle or body part we cause stress on the muscle. Exercise causes an increase in heart rate which increases blood flow. As stated above the increase in blood flow causes the blood to increase in carrying oxygen and nutrients to the cells and they are exchanged for carbon dioxide and other waste products that are expelled from the body. Our muscles and organs become more efficient in their assigned functions. This helps us to avoid sickness and disease.

There are many Christians that are in shape to perform a task, but they may not be a godly person. We demonstrate our spiritual fitness in our relationship to others; how we treat others. Here are two examples. A person can be a great singer and the songs that they sing can inspire others. However, the songs that are sung have no real meaning to their own life. Just because one sings about the virtues of love and peace does not mean that they have love and peace in their hearts. One can be a great preacher and at the same time be a narcissist that abuses others. Our attitudes, behaviors, and way of thinking may need an adjustment. Paul writes: “Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him” (Col. 3:9-10, NASB).

Getting fit takes discipline. It takes discipline to get up early in the morning to go to the health club to do a one to two hour workout before going to a full time job. Yet, this is what many of the people that I meet do three to five times a week. In the same way spiritual discipline is not a Sunday morning only event. Pastor Aaron Marble emphasizes this point frequently. He says that God doesn’t change. He is the same all the time and everywhere. Our need for God is not limited to Sunday morning. We need God all the time, everywhere, and in every circumstance. We must discipline (exercise) daily in order to get fit and stay fit.