Physical Fitness and Godliness

“For bodily exercise is of little profit, but godliness is profitable for everything, holding the promise of the present life and of the one to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)

I am writing this short article as a reminder to myself—and to others—about the importance of basic physical exercise. Many times, I find myself locked onto a computer screen, typing, listening, or watching, without giving my body a break. This is not good for health. I am sure I am not alone. Technology has greatly impacted society; people can spend practically the entire day texting or scrolling on their phones.

The Bible says bodily exercise profits a little, which means it is important, though not the ultimate goal. The soul is more important than the body, yet the body is the house of the soul and the temple of God. God works in us “both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13), and a healthy, strong body is needed to carry out His work.

Both extremes—over-exercising or avoiding exercise altogether—are harmful. Physical fitness strengthens bones and muscles, promotes overall well-being, prevents various health problems, and reduces the risk of diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. It also improves quality of life, reduces stress and tension, and lowers the risk of depression.

You can improve physical fitness by making healthier food choices and engaging regularly in both aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Fitness is the ability of the body to perform daily activities without excessive fatigue. It can be measured using scientific tests and devices, which compare individual performance to ideal standards.

Fitness can be divided into:

• General fitness, which refers to overall health and well-being, and

• Special fitness, which targets a specific goal, such as bodybuilding, modeling, or sports performance.

While special fitness may gain popularity or fame—as seen in figures like Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger—it often serves limited purposes. Models may starve themselves, and athletes may need to gain or lose weight to fit their profession. Here, our focus is on general fitness, which benefits health, strength, and life quality.

Regular physical activity can improve your health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and provide immediate and long-term benefits. Most importantly, staying fit enhances your ability to serve and contribute to your community.

Set up a regular exercise program and discipline yourself to follow it consistently. It doesn’t have to be strenuous. Simple activities like walking or running are sufficient if done regularly.

“If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl—but whatever you do, keep moving forward.”

Keeping your body active and healthy benefits not only yourself but also others, as it enables you to work effectively in your family, church, and community. Physical fitness is a small profit in this life, but it supports the greater profit of godliness and service to God.