LIGHT FOR A HEALTHY LIFE (5)

“PHYSICAL EXERCISE has some VALUE, but SPIRITUAL EXERCISE is valuable in every way…” – 1 Timothy 4:8a (GNB).

Knowing the Worth of EXERCISE is another crucial dimension of LIGHT for a HEALTHY LIFE: “PHYSICAL EXERCISE has some VALUE, but SPIRITUAL EXERCISE is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future” (1Tim.4:8, Good News Bible). The idea of health is subsumed in the very definition of the word ‘exercise’, which is a physical or mental exertion, for the sake of training, developing and maintaining fitness, and improving health. 1Timothy 4:8 is not an excuse to not exercise; but a prioritizing of spiritual exercise over physical exercise. For example, it is more important to wake up early and spend time with the Lord than to wake up early to work out in the gym. Both are important, but time of personal devotion – Quiet Time, is more beneficial than an early session in the gym!

Indeed, a strong spirit will enhance the health and performance of the mind and body; but putting the body in shape is also valuable! God wants His children to carry vibrant spirits with sound minds in FIT BODIES! My Body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and it is expedient that it be kept fit, strong, and healthy, just as the mind! The human spirit, soul, and body must be in top shape if we are to maximise destiny (1The.5:23). All three forms of exercise – spiritual, mental, and physical – are profitable. The spiritual is certainly superior, but even the “little” profit of physical exercise is backed by medical research. Various kinds of exercise are helpful to keeping our whole being in top shape!

Spiritual Exercises include the disciplines: of the Word (hearing, reading, studying, meditating, memorising, confessing, obeying); of devotion (fasting, solitude, worship, praise, prayer, thanksgiving, consecration, intercession); and of purity, holiness, sanctification, and service. Mental exercises or disciplines of the mind are also critical (Jos.1:8; Rom.12:1-2; Phil.4:4-8). These should be complemented by bodily exercises such as walking, jogging, running, workouts, gardening, or participating in sports. Physical training requires starting where we are, increasing gradually, and mastering the routines, relative to age. The muscles may initially groan, but once they are groomed, they’ll be grateful. It is not about proving anything to anyone, but about improving. Exercises need not be rigorous, but should be regular in order to become habits.

Regular exercise with focus and intensity will increase strength and stamina, and other medically-established health benefits, including: Improved heart health and blood circulation, which raises oxygen levels in the body, lowers the blood pressure, and helps lower the risk of chronic heart diseases; healthy weight, which lowers the risk of developing obesity and high blood pressure; Controlled blood sugar and insulin levels; Improved memory, brain function, mental health and mood; reduced feelings of anxiety and depression; improved quality of sleep; bone and muscle strength and balance; reduced risk of some cancers; enhanced healthy aging; and increased chances of longevity.