9 Needed Bible-Based Answers To Common Fitness Problems
Fitness is 100% Better As a Christian
Here's why... on this new Strong. Confident. His. Podcast, I’m going to give you 9 reasons with scriptures and mindset shifts that will empower your fitness journey and help you thrive!
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Anyone who’s been on a diet knows that willpower doesn’t last. Have you ever wondered why that is? Before I dive into the 9 Needed Bible-Based Answers To Common Fitness Problems I want to share a metaphor Jesus used; about the battle between the flesh; it's a reality that we face every day, especially in our fitness journeys.
Galatians 5:16-17 says, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
You see there is a constant contest between the flesh and the Spirit in every born-again believer, the question is who are you going to follow?
When we walk with God and pursue things of Him, we feed our spirit and it gets stronger. But when we walk in the flesh, our spirit is malnourished and weak. The flesh continually makes the same disappointing decisions and leaves us feeling powerless. It’s driven by emotions, and it doesn’t care what we really want because it wants what it wants and it wants it now.
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Fitness is a Battle Between The Flesh and The Spirit
When I was a new Christian, I remember hearing my pastor talk about the flesh warring against the spirit, but I had no idea what he meant. As I have walked farther with God and grown closer to Him, I now see the ways in which my flesh bosses me around. However, my walk with God has also taught me that, through Him, I am able to overcome the tantrums of the flesh, and so are you. It’s not a perfect journey but when we do fall we can get back up in grace. Because when the inside is right, the outside will follow.
9 Needed Bible-Based Answers To Common Fitness Problems
- Trade Willpower for The Fruits of the Spirit “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV)
- Trade Comparison for Confidence “… being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6 NKJV)
- Trade Insecurity for Identity in Christ “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:19-20 NKJV)
- Trade Idolatry for God First “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”(Matthew 6:33 NKJV)
- Trade Insatiable for Satiable “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”(Philippians 4:13 NKJV)
- Trade Natural for Supernatural “God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect.” (2 Samuel 22:33 NKJV)
- Trade Perfection for Surrender “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:6-8 AMP)
- Trade Overwhelm for Peace “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-8 NKJV)
- Trade Confusion for Wisdom “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” (Psalm 24:4-5 ESV)
Isn't that powerful? Our physical desires often conflict with what our spirit knows is right. This can manifest in so many ways in our fitness journeys—whether it’s the temptation to skip a workout, indulge in unhealthy foods, or even to push ourselves too hard in the gym, neglecting rest and recovery.
Three key areas where this battle plays out and how we can overcome it with God's help!
The first area is motivation. Often, our flesh seeks comfort and avoids anything that feels like discomfort or discipline. But remember what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:27, 'I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.' Discipline in our fitness routine mirrors our spiritual discipline. It’s about making choices that honor God, even when it's hard."
Secondly, let's talk about body image. The world bombards us with images and messages that can make us feel inadequate. But Romans 12:2 reminds us, 'Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.' Our worth is not in how we look but in who we are in Christ. Exercise and healthy living should be about stewarding the bodies God has given us, not about meeting worldly standards of beauty."
Finally, let’s address rest. In a world that glorifies hustle, it can be hard to slow down. Yet, rest is biblical. God Himself rested on the seventh day. Mark 6:31 says, 'Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."' Rest isn't just a break from activity; it's a time to reconnect with God and recharge our spirits."
Practical steps. How do we live this out?
First, start your day with prayer and Scripture. Ask God for strength to overcome temptations and to guide your fitness journey. Print out this freebie and refer to it daily!
Second, set realistic, God-honoring goals. Whether it's a certain number of workouts per week or making healthier food choices, set goals that reflect good stewardship of your body.
And third, find a community. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us, 'Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.' Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and hold you accountable." Join Fit Sisters in Christ, https://www.kimdolanleto.com/sisters
Remember, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Every workout, every healthy choice, and every moment of rest can be an act of worship. Let's strive to honor God with our bodies, battling the flesh with the power of the Spirit."
So I want to close with this, does God have all of you? And who are you going to follow the flesh or the spirit?
I used to pray, “God, please help me. I need more of you,” but I realized God was saying, “I’m here. You already have all of me, but do I have all of you?”
Download your freebie at https://www.kimdolanleto.com/answers and start making the change.
Remember this is a grace-based journey, not a perfection project and you are Strong. Confident. His!
