A Theological View of Running

"Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Is running an act of worship? Is breaking a sweat part of spiritual wholeness? Doesn't God care about more important things than whether or not I need to shed a few pounds?

Yes and no.

God didn't only make the spiritual side of you - he made all of you. In the Bible, Job 10 says it best:

11You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews. 12You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.

Here's what I've come to realize. If I'm slothful with my body - it affects the level of my faith. I have a real hard time looking at the magnificent plan that God has for me, when my body is just sitting around the house collecting dust. There is something to be said for healthy bodies and healthy faith. Most of the pastors that I look up to have healthy bodies and a vibrancy for life...and I don't think it's coincidence.

It is true that you can excel in "body" OR "soul" OR "spirit" without the others, but I believe that when you are healthy in all three it's like a finely tuned guitar: ready to rock and roll!

So...why not make a fresh request for grace and forgiveness in your life and ask Jesus to empower you to make the necessary changes in the area that needs attention the most. The cool thing about God is that the verse following 1 Thess 5:23 is this: 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

here's to wholeness!'
b.