A blog adapted, using AI, based on my recent teaching which you can find on YouTube.

What We Can Learn from the Bible About Fitness and Health Goals

It’s a new year, which means New Year’s resolutions are in full swing. As we all know, most resolutions fail pretty quickly. By the end of January, almost half have already been abandoned. But as Christians, maybe we can do better if we approach our goals from a biblical perspective.

In his letters, the apostle Paul uses the analogy of runners competing in a race. He points out that while every runner runs, only one takes home the prize (1 Cor 9:24). This tells us a couple things about achieving our goals:

1) We need determination and endurance to reach the finish line. Quitting early means we automatically fail.

2) We should run with purpose and strategy, not “aimlessly” (1 Cor 9:26). Vague resolutions without concrete plans won’t get us far.

When it comes to health and fitness goals specifically, having S.M.A.R.T. goals can make a big difference – goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Getting more granular helps us track progress incrementally instead of getting discouraged by slow results. For example, aiming to lose 30 pounds this year breaks down to around 2-3 pounds per month. Much more motivating!

Of course, pursuing any goal requires self-control and discipline, two concepts most of us try to avoid (1 Cor 9:27). But ultimately, mastering our bodies and choices demonstrates good stewardship of the physical blessings God has already given us. After all, our bodies are temples where the Holy Spirit resides, purchased by Christ at a great price (1 Cor 6:19-20). Caring for them honors God.

The temptation and lust to overindulge have threatened mankind since the earliest biblical days. Gluttony may not get mentioned much from church pulpits, but Proverbs clearly warns against becoming “drunkards or…gluttonous eaters” (Prov 23:20-21). Excess food and drink dull our discipline, hurt our health, and distract us from Godly pursuits. As the Scottish Olympian Eric Liddell showed in Chariots of Fire, obeying our convictions sometimes means saying no to fleshly appetites.

Above all, Paul stresses keeping first things first. Physical training offers some benefits, but “godliness is of value in every way” for this life and the next (1 Tim 4:7-8). Health goals shouldn’t overtake our relationship with God. In a few weeks, we’ll look more closely at priorities for spiritual growth in 2024.

What physical goals do you hope to achieve this year? What practical steps can you take to give them the best shot at success? As you ponder, ask God to increase your self-control, consistency, and trust in His provision. Our bodies and our dreams matter to Him. Let’s care for both in a way that brings glory to His name.