“Christian life isn’t a one-person race. It’s a relay. You are not alone; you’re part of a team assembled by our unstoppable God to achieve his eternal purposes.” ― Christine Caine,
Christ invites us to run with Him in joy, with freedom, and purpose. Yet we must be aware that during our race, distractions can come in many forms, keeping us from all that Christ has for us. We all go through seasons of exhaustion and burnout.
So how do you stay engaged in a healthy lifestyle of movement and exercise? Let’s examine what steps we can take towards viewing fitness as a part of wholehearted living and from a Kingdom viewpoint. Here are some important tips to remember:
God First: Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the Kingdom and everything else will be added to you.” In life, in work, and with our bodies, if we put Him first He’s going to bless that act of obedience. Ask the Lord, who do you say I am? How can I be excellent today in what I am doing for you and for the Kingdom? Asking those questions can help us to stay rooted and focused on Christ-centered living. I am the first to admit that I am very hard on myself. I tend to easily get caught up in worldly definitions of how I should look, what I should do, and I quickly lose focus and get off track. It’s important that we stay focused and give ourselves grace! It’s not our job to have the ‘perfect’ body or have perfect attendance at group fitness class. Being so hard on yourself, allowing the pressures of the world and comparisons hold you back will only keep you from what God has for you. Each of us is unique and you can rest in the fact that you are incredibly loved just as you are.
Consistency: Work at your fitness goals a little every day. Even if it is for just five minutes, it’s so important to just move! Treat your workouts like an appointment for yourself, an investment in you! Start slow, be consistent, and slowly over time, it becomes a discipline. I like to encourage people not to get overwhelmed by the bigger goal, or even worse, the scale! Take it slow, day by day, breath by breath, and stay focused on consistency.
Commit & Show Up: It’s important to show up and be faithful even when we don’t feel like it. In Matthew 14, it tells the story of how God multiplied the loaves and fish. How cool is it that we serve a God that multiplies! When you commit to showing up, you’re able to receive what God is preparing for you. There have been so many times that I didn’t feel like getting up and moving, but when I showed up, God began speaking to me and began pouring into me things that I was never expecting! God can take your five minutes and multiply it into whatever He wants it to be for you for that day. What matters is that over time, we just keep showing up. Because if there is something there that God wants to teach us, we will be available to receive it. He will use you because you are willing.
Community/Accountability: Jesus always sent people out two by two. He never says ‘Go do this by yourself”, so don't do it alone! We all get discouraged, we all get tired, and there will be days that you will want to quit, but we weren’t created to do life alone. Find another sister who can be a partner in your fitness journey. Have an accountability partner!
It is my hope that these words will inspire you and empower you toward health in both your physical and spiritual journey. God has entrusted us with these strong bodies. Moving your body well and taking care of it in the days to come is important to our Creator! Because one thing is true, each one of us is running a race for an eternal purpose. The enemy wants us to believe that this life is one of comparison, vanity and perfection. But the race of grace truly defines the Christian life.