What are you doing with your body? Being fit physically means you are intentionally stewarding your body to fulfill the responsibilities and purpose you are to fulfill. To be all that you have been created to be, you cannot separate Physical Fitness from Spiritual Fitness and Mental Fitness. Spiritual fitness establishes the foundation of who God is and who we are in Him so we can walk in the calling and purpose He created us for. This influences what we believe about ourselves, our capabilities, and who we are created to be which is mental fitness. Physical fitness provides the capability to fulfill what God has called us to do and who He has created us to be.
Your body was created with a purpose for a purpose. We are all commanded, no matter what our calling or purpose is, to honor God with our bodies. We are not to do what we wish with it. We must honor Him with our bodies by managing what we put in and do with our bodies. We become physically fit when we exercise, provide our bodies with proper nutrition, stay hydrated, rest, and maintain an appearance suitable for our God given assignments.
Exercise/Working Out
Everyone is not meant to be a bodybuilder. CrossFit or yoga may not be your thing. This not a promotion for everyone to start getting in the gym. What level of exercise do you need to do to be your most healthy self to do what God has called you to do? You may need to walk or jog more. Your goal may be to get and stay in shape. Maybe you are suppose to do strength training to gain the strength to do what God has called you to do. Your purpose could require you to be more flexible. Whatever it is, do what it takes so you are fit to fulfill the calling on your life. Ask God what it is He wants you to do and trust that He will provide you the grace to do it.
Nutrition and Hydration
Food is meant to be used as a tool to fuel our bodies. We need our bodies to function properly to do what we are called to do. What are you feeding your body? Provide your body with the nutrients it needs to not just survive but also properly function. A lifestyle of doing what is cheap or convenient can lead to more costly consequences. Think long term. What are your doing to the inside of your body. You reap what you sow. Sowing your body an unhealthy diet will reap unhealthy body related issues. This hinders our ability to do what God has called us to do. Be intentional.
Your body needs water. Make sure you are taking in enough water each day. More than half of your body is water. Water serves various functions to keep us going. Do not neglect providing your body what it needs to properly function. It is easy to forget to drink water or prefer juice or soda. Realize everything you eat and drink has an effect on your body. What your serve your body now will determine how it will look, function, and perform later.
Rest
In our culture today we see a lot of messages that encourage no days off, grinding hard, and making sleep minimal to get ahead. If God had to rest, why do you think we don’t? He modeled it for us. Our bodies were not created to keep going without stopping. We cannot do and be all of who God has created us to be if we do not allow our bodies to rejuvenate. This includes your mind. Your brain needs a break. God can do more with the time and energy you do have with rest than the time and energy you have without it. God wants us to be at our best so that He can use us fully. Rest also requires you to be intentional. What time are you going to bed regularly? What time are you getting up? How much sleep are you consistently getting? What is your sabbath day? Honor God by allowing your body to rest and get adequate sleep. It will not be perfect but applied consistently, your body will be more fit to do what you have been called to do.
Appearance
How you present and carry yourself influences your level of fitness to fulfill the purpose and call God has on your life. It is our job to upkeep and maintain the bodies He has given us. We are responsible. This includes hygiene, facial care, hair care, dress, and your demeanor. He has given us the ability, tools, and resources (people, internet, and materials) to properly maintain and improve our appearance to reflect Him well every day. Your appearance can impact your ability to step into and fulfill your calling. There are many examples in the bible where the people God used were describe as being beautiful and handsome. Know that God looks at the heart and not at the outward appearance, but that does not negate the fact that our appearance are still noticed and used. The selection of David is great example. Develop your appearance inwardly and outwardly.
Be Physically Fit
It takes work but it is possible. Understand that you are not your own. We are commanded to honor God with our bodies. As His creation, we have the responsibility to maintain and develop the physical aspects of our lives. He is not trying to limit us and not keep us from enjoying life. He knows what is best for what He created but we have a choice. Being made in His image, we should reflect God in all that we are and all that we do. It is not about perfection but submission to what He wants to do in and through our lives and doing what it takes for that to shine. Focus on growing and developing these areas (fitness) and grow each day (digits) to become more physically fit and suitable to fulfill the roles and tasks assigned to you by God.
Fitness By Digits