Is Exercise Spiritual?

Exercise? How can moving a body be a spiritual action?

As you’re reading these familiar verses, consider what part of you is excluded.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, -Colossians 3: 23

Anything here say that when you work with all your heart, that doesn’t include physically?

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.-Proverbs 31: 17

In order to do our work, we must have the muscle and endurance. It’s desirable, energetic, and purposeful. Look at all the action and physical words in the verses too. Take a moment and count the action words. How many do you find?

So God created man in his own image,
   in the image of God he created him;
   male and female he created them. -Genesis 1: 27

The ultimate test. Created in the image of God. What do you think God physically looks like? Why? Do you think if He made us in His image that God means for us to allow our physical body to deteriorate? The key word is allow.

We’ve been given the gift of our physical bodies. Those bodies are made in the image of deity, God. It’s an honor. How well do we recognize the honor and care for the gift?

Say this outloud as you look in the mirror, “I look like God. Wow!”

Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are a living, breathing creation of God. The miracle of looking like God, and the miracle of how our bodies work is awesome. Watch your fingers type or play the piano. Watch your bicep bulge as you lift a child. Watch your toes wiggle.

Now consider the question in the title: Is excercise spiritual?

What do you think?

Angela Breidenbach

Angie Breidenbach loves speaking for women's retreats, conferences, and events. Angela also coaches courageous confidence, personal growth, media and interview skills, writing, and powerful living. She’s certified in mentor/peer counseling as a Stephen Minister and CTA life coach. Angela serves as an assisting minister for her congregation in Missoula, MT. She's written Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life from Journey Press, a Sheaf House imprint. Other works by Angela include Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance (Oct 2010), Creative Cooking for Colitis (March 2011, Kindle) compilation books and devotionals from Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers. Her newest book, A Healing Heart, is due out from Abingdon Press (http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com) April 2013. http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com

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