Taking care of your body is more than just picking the right type of food or doing the proper kind of exercise. It's also about discipline and making sure you're not doing things that could possibly harm your body.

Many people would willingly go for fitness. Some would say their reason is just to look good. However, as Christians, who value God's temple, which is our body, it is a must to go over more than just keeping the body fit to stay in shape, but to stay fit in order to serve the Lord better. 

Fitness should focus more on thinking how to glorify God through your physical ability and skills. Your goal should be for Him and not just for your own interest. 

Self-Control is Everything

If you respect yourself enough, it would be expected that you would avoid things that don't bring you good. You wouldn't do things that would allow others to see you differently. Romans 12:1 said, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." 

Nurture yourself as a sign that you honor God and you want to take care of what He has given you. Your body is not yours, it is from Him. Respect yourself as much as you respect Him. 

Perseverance Amidst All Trials

Hebrews 12:11-12 states," For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees." 

Fitness can only be achieved if you have a strong self-discipline. If you can control yourself from engaging into unhealthy vices and temptations, then you are also about to reap the fruits of your sacrifices. All you have to do is trust the Lord and pray that all your hard work will pay off one day. Though He already hears what you want, you must still communicate your heart out so it shall be given.

Honor God Through Fitness

One who cares for his body also cares what God wants from him. As a Christian, you must only use your body for good and nourish it with love and compassion. Ephesians 4:15-16 said, "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

If your body is free from harmful factors and environment, you will be nurtured with God's presence and blessings. A healthy body will also allow you to think properly and be at peace with the Lord. 

Fitness to Serve God

Working out for God's glory means working out to be a better steward. You are taking care of yourself because you want to be able to serve Him and His commands. God has many plans for you and one of them is for you to take care of your family and His creations. You will only be able to do that if you are in a good disposition in life. 

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 declares, "Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." Fitness must be gradual and consistent. Be patient and allow yourself to grow and learn from your every endeavor. That way, you will be able to realize your  physical skills and what to do with it that would glorify the Lord. 

Today Tip of the Day

Be cautious about what you take and do for your body. Think about it as God's temple wherein the Holy Spirit can only dwell if it is clean and healthy. Fitness doesn't need to be all about being pleasing in the eyes of others but to God alone. The journey will be full of self-control, sacrifices, and efforts, but one thing's for sure, you will be able to see and witness God's graces set for you and your hard works.