"Fit" for Service

Jeff Pill, former US soccer women's national coach and current Director of Soccer at Maranatha Baptist Bible College, shares his thoughts on the correllation between the Chrisitian life and a healthy lifestyle. His practicial tips explain how Christians should view fitness and exercise as a means to better service for our Savior.  
(photo from mbbc.edu)

Q: Is there a disconnect between the Christian life and an unhealthy lifestyle?

Coach: Yes. We are reminded that our "bodies are a temple of the Holy Ghost", and that we are to be faithful stewards of what God has given to us. When the body is treated with disdain, I see this as being unfaithful.

We are also commanded to present our "BODIES as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our REASONABLE service."  How can we present something to the Lord that is not our best?  There are countless stories in the Bible of believers bringing a sacrifice to God that was determined to be "unworthy". I think the same principles apply.

What would we say to a fellow believer who was involved in:

•  Alcohol addiction?
•  Illicit drug use?
•  Tobacco use?
•  Promiscuity?
•  Steroid use to improve athletic performance?

On a very basic level, we would say to them, "Don't do that, it is unhealthy. Those things are WRONG!"I think the same truths apply to not being good stewards of our body inregards to how we take care of it in regards to exercise and diet.



Q: Do you see physical fitness as integral to the Christian walk?

Coach: Yes.  See above. I think the same answers apply to this question. Plus, I think it is also a matter of our testimony in front of others. If I find myself in a counseling opportunity where I am engaged in a
conversation about self-control, or temperence. When it is OBVIOUS that I have not gained victory over those areas in my own life, then I disqualifymyself from being a totally effective WITNESS and TESTIMONY. Paul touched on this in I Corinthians:
"But I keepunder my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. " I Cor. 9:24-27.




Q: There's an argument for both "stewardship of the body" and "bodily exercise profits little." How do you reconcile the two?

Coach: I think Mark 8:36 also applies. "or what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

True, what good is it if I am this "super-buff" guy with a resting pulse rate of 38, and a VO2 Max of 82.2, but I lose my own soul!?

But, I Timothy 4:8 "...it profiteth little" implies that there is some profit in bodily exercise. As believers, like everything else, these two truths must be kept in balance.

I suppose the same principles apply towards earning an honest wage. Earning money profiteth little in comparison to being in the center of God's will. But, does that mean that we are to be irresponsible and not work for wages? I think the Bible speaks in favor of balancing both. "Work out our salvation" to me implies that once we are saved, we have a responsibility to make the most out of what God has given us. That includes our bodies! Not to GLORIFY them, but to take care of them, so that we can be effective in service to Him.

What good is it if we are trying to serve him but can't because we are constantly getting sick, or worn down, with no energy?!


Q: What practical advice/tips could you give a believer who wants to start taking care of his/her body?

Coach:
1. GOLDEN RULE! ­The BEST exercise is the one that you will do!

2. Use the most muscles! Pick activities that will use the most muscles when deciding how to exercise. This includes things like x-country skiiing, walking, jogging, running, cycling.

3. Have fun! Make it a game whenever possible. (Sounds like a good excuse to start a pick-up soccer game!)

4. Get a partner. The accountability is helpful!.

5. Schedule it… but fit it in where possible: Bike commute, park far away, walk dogs.

6. Cross train, and weight train. This keeps things interesting and leads to total fitness. Plus, it adds the variety needed to keep things interesting.