Exercising

   Physical fitness was only important to me for a few years. In high school, I wanted to wrestle but after breaking three ribs every year for two years, I decided to play basketball. Since I didn’t make the team as a player, I accepted being the manager. Working on the river as a deckhand, then progressing into the USCG Auxiliary required some physical dexterity, and working for a non-union construction company continued the requirement of physical conditioning. Yet, to commit to physical exercise as a routine has never been something of “comfort” or “enjoyment” to me in any fashion. While I do know several who habitually run, walk, do yoga, are members of fitness clubs, etc. (to which I’ve no objection!), regular physical exercise is not my “forte.”

   However, I do know its value! I’ve had enough injuries through the years to recognize the value of “pure torture” (aka. Physical Therapy) for complete recovery. I understand how the “do this at home” helps, but too often we stop when it hurts, and seldom push ourselves to exceed the expectations. Therefore, we seek the skilled help of others to not only direct us in more rigorous exercise, but to encourage us to become stronger, more mobile, and more understanding of the adage, “Use it or lose it.”

   The passage that usually comes to mind about physical exercise is 1 Timothy 4: 7 – 8 which reads, “But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” When quoting this to my doctor in defense of a more sedimentary lifestyle, she responded, “But little is more than nothing.” She is right! Physical exercise is critical to continued mobility, reducing blood pressure problems, relieving heart ailments, preventing atrophy of unused muscles, and a multitude of other debilitating maladies. Yet, as we age, we realize the increasing deterioration of our physical abilities, even as Solomon described in Ecclesiastes 12.

   Doctors have found extreme value in exercising the mind as well! Stimulation of the mind’s ability to reason, to fact-find, to simply think, strengthens the mind and has been proven to at least delay if not eliminate dementia-like symptoms. The Hebrew writer would concur as by inspiration he wrote, “For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5: 13 – 14) Peter also concurs as he states, “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance.” (2 Peter 3:1) To stimulate, “stir” the mind, is to activate it in such a way as to keep it functioning properly with proper thoughts. Again, either “use it or lose it.”

   Both areas of exercise are critical to the overall well-being of a human being. It should not surprise us to know there are several who excel in very successful ways without being able to physically exercise and others who, despite their mental impairments, are still successful in physical ways. Still, it appears most of us are capable of exercising in both vital roles: physical and mental (i.e., spiritual). However, we usually find one is more prominent than the other. Why can’t both be utilized to prove ourselves fit in all ways by which to serve God?

   Since many factors enter the discussion, I stipulate that some are much more proficient than others in one area of fitness than the other. Furthermore, some will contend being more fit spiritually than physically is of the greatest importance. That is difficult to deny, but as a mentor once warned, “Souls will listen more carefully to one who cares for his body as much as he cares for his soul, than they will to one who only focuses on one or the other.” As John wrote to Gaius, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 2) It behooves us to give attention to both body and soul and engage both in the service of our God. Granted, the body will eventually wear out and die (Hebrews 9:27), and prayerfully the mind will remain strong unto the end. But the point is, in either realm, unless we use it, we lose it!

   All the doctors and therapists I’ve encountered through the years have insisted that “just thirty minutes a day will benefit you for life.” Those I know who are routinely “fitness conscience” agree to the thirty minutes a day routine. Those who are noted students of God’s word, those to whom we go for help in difficult spiritual matters because we recognize their expertise in handling righteously God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15), agree to the thirty minutes a day benefit. Of both areas, these would suggest that the thirty minutes are minimal, but are a great start to every individual who would desire to reach a respected strength of body and mind! To the point, how much time do YOU devote to strengthening your soul in the service of our King? Or are you of the conviction you’re “fit enough”?

   Someday, somewhere, if it hasn’t already come to you, you will encounter a task that just ten years ago took only a bit of your energy, and now, that same task is very difficult if not impossible for you to complete. Your body has become weaker, less able to do what it once did with ease. We recognize this reality! Spiritually, what about your abilities – what about your soul? Can you sing, pray, study, commune, and give with increased understanding as to the why, to Whom, and the how than you did just ten years ago? If not, why not? And to the understanding of God’s truth, have you exercised yourself within it enough to comprehend it and share its truth with others clearly and concisely better now than just ten years ago? If not, why not? Brethren let’s be exercising ourselves unto godliness! If we don’t use it, we’ll lose it!