• Home
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
Julie Sanders

Julie Sanders

  • About
    • My Story
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Speaking
  • Expectant Devotional

March 17, 2011 ·

What does it matter if we’re fit?

Christian lifestyle

  • We’re told we should take care of ourselves for our children, for our grandchildren, for our husband, for those who depend on us.
  • We’re told we should take care of ourselves just for ourselves. 

What does it matter if we’re “fit?”

Being “fit” means something different depending on who you talk to. In “Fit” 4Faith, I’m talking about taking care of my earthly tent, my physical body. This includes good mental and physical health and has results in things like my energy, my state of mind, and my strength. 

We’ve been reminded so far, in Fit 4Faith, that if we know our bodies have been bought with the sacrifice of Jesus’ life, there’s a greater reason to be “fit.” Followers of Jesus want to be “fit” so we have potential to be used 4 our Faith. 

The more I align myself with what God wants, the more fit I am. Instead of worshiping my body, I worship God with my body. I know I have a long way to go in that. You?

Being fit does matter to other people, though. Here are a few ways it can honor the Lord in my life:

  1. When I’m fit I have the energy serve at my church (and to GO to church!).
  2. If I’m rested I am more likely to be in a frame of mind to listen, encourage, and counsel my children.
  3. Being healthy makes me a more fun companion to my husband.
  4. Yielding my physical body to God’s ways makes me more content & less likely to complain.
  5. If I’m being a good caretaker of my body, I’m prepared to say, “YES” when God brings opportunity.
  6. When I am honoring God with my body, I give Him a chance to rule my mind and emotions.
  7. When I give my body what it needs, I’m better able to listen to my husband, be attentive, and enjoy him intimately = better marriage!
  8. If I’m physically more fit, I’m more likely to be active with my children; that builds our relationships.
  9. Taking care of myself means I better manage the “load of life” – home, work, relationships, etc.
  10. When I have energy and strength, it’s easier to work unto the Lord, serve family, and be productive.



So what difference does it make if your fitness is an offering to the Lord? Our health is never guaranteed, and ever person has a different capacity for wellness. Some people who most honor God with their body are those who manage disease and frailty and physical brokenness.  Each of us has to go back to the key question:   How do I honor God with my body?

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.1 Cor. 9:24-27

We could struggle and beat ourselves up to be healthy in the world’s eyes, but we would do it “aimlessly.” We might get a crown from the world’s standards, but it’s a crown that wouldn’t last forever. As we discipline ourselves to become Fit 4Faith, we do it to honor God, even with our very physical bodies. Now THAT’s a reason that will help me make decisions!

Tomorrow, I’ll let you know how I’ve been doing in this first week of 21 days to be more Fit 4Faith. I’ll also give you a new scripture verse to meditate on this week.

Share with a friend?

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Related

Previous Post: « What does it matter if we’re fit?
Next Post: Fit 4Faith Friday Check Up »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendi says

    March 17, 2011 at 5:15 pm

    Oh, Julie. I have so far to go on this one. I do like my little comfort zone – and my chocolate. Thank you for reminding me that denial up front can lead to benefits later. Blog on! 😉

  2. Julie_Sanders says

    March 17, 2011 at 6:34 pm

    Every now and then I think I need someone to give me a little "shake" and help me see the comfort zone I've created … the thing I don't do, the things I do do, and why I form the habits I have. I guess I need to remind myself that I'm a "new creation" every single day and live in that newness, not in my stale comfort zone.  Chocolate is in mine too 😉

    Julie Sanders http://www.comehaveapeace.blogspot.com

March 17, 2011 ·

What does it matter if we’re fit?

Christian lifestyle

  • We’re told we should take care of ourselves for our children, for our grandchildren, for our husband, for those who depend on us.
  • We’re told we should take care of ourselves just for ourselves. 

What does it matter if we’re “fit?”

Being “fit” means something different depending on who you talk to. In “Fit” 4Faith, I’m talking about taking care of my earthly tent, my physical body. This includes good mental and physical health and has results in things like my energy, my state of mind, and my strength. 

We’ve been reminded so far, in Fit 4Faith, that if we know our bodies have been bought with the sacrifice of Jesus’ life, there’s a greater reason to be “fit.” Followers of Jesus want to be “fit” so we have potential to be used 4 our Faith. 

The more I align myself with what God wants, the more fit I am. Instead of worshiping my body, I worship God with my body. I know I have a long way to go in that. You?

Being fit does matter to other people, though. Here are a few ways it can honor the Lord in my life:

  1. When I’m fit I have the energy serve at my church (and to GO to church!).
  2. If I’m rested I am more likely to be in a frame of mind to listen, encourage, and counsel my children.
  3. Being healthy makes me a more fun companion to my husband.
  4. Yielding my physical body to God’s ways makes me more content & less likely to complain.
  5. If I’m being a good caretaker of my body, I’m prepared to say, “YES” when God brings opportunity.
  6. When I am honoring God with my body, I give Him a chance to rule my mind and emotions.
  7. When I give my body what it needs, I’m better able to listen to my husband, be attentive, and enjoy him intimately = better marriage!
  8. If I’m physically more fit, I’m more likely to be active with my children; that builds our relationships.
  9. Taking care of myself means I better manage the “load of life” – home, work, relationships, etc.
  10. When I have energy and strength, it’s easier to work unto the Lord, serve family, and be productive.



So what difference does it make if your fitness is an offering to the Lord? Our health is never guaranteed, and ever person has a different capacity for wellness. Some people who most honor God with their body are those who manage disease and frailty and physical brokenness.  Each of us has to go back to the key question:   How do I honor God with my body?

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.1 Cor. 9:24-27

We could struggle and beat ourselves up to be healthy in the world’s eyes, but we would do it “aimlessly.” We might get a crown from the world’s standards, but it’s a crown that wouldn’t last forever. As we discipline ourselves to become Fit 4Faith, we do it to honor God, even with our very physical bodies. Now THAT’s a reason that will help me make decisions!

Tomorrow, I’ll let you know how I’ve been doing in this first week of 21 days to be more Fit 4Faith. I’ll also give you a new scripture verse to meditate on this week.

Share with a friend?

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Related

Previous Post: « 1 Question to reign myself in
Next Post: What does it matter if we’re fit? »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendi says

    March 17, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    Oh, Julie. I have so far to go on this one. I do like my little comfort zone – and my chocolate. Thank you for reminding me that denial up front can lead to benefits later. Blog on! 😉

  2. Julie_Sanders says

    March 17, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    Every now and then I think I need someone to give me a little "shake" and help me see the comfort zone I've created … the thing I don't do, the things I do do, and why I form the habits I have. I guess I need to remind myself that I'm a "new creation" every single day and live in that newness, not in my stale comfort zone.  Chocolate is in mine too 😉

    Julie Sanders http://www.comehaveapeace.blogspot.com

Primary Sidebar

Thanks so much for stopping in. I'm glad you're here. I believe we're meant to know peace in our lives, so I write about how to find it in our relationships and how to share it with others. I like to keep things sourced in God's truth and useful for life. May your moments here leave you with a little more peace for your days.

Let’s find a peace we can share together! Sign up for updates and receive a 7 Step Plan for a Personal Peace Retreat.

Privacy and Disclosure Policies

What others are saying

"Julie’s writings and teachings have been spiritual markers in my life. The deep knowledge of the Word she possesses, and they way in which she delivers it through her writing are deeply impactful. I would say that my favorite piece about Julie’s work is the way she speaks truth in love. She never waters down scripture to fit someone’s desires. And she does this with so much grace and compassion."

Susan - Homeschool Mom, Foster Mom & Business Consultant, Mt. Juliet, TN

Julie Sanders, Author and Speaker
5
2019-09-08T18:00:00-04:00

Susan - Homeschool Mom, Foster Mom & Business Consultant, Mt. Juliet, TN

"Julie’s writings and teachings have been spiritual markers in my life. The deep knowledge of the Word she possesses, and they way in which she delivers it through her writing are deeply impactful. I would say that my favorite piece about Julie’s work is the way she speaks truth in love. She never waters down scripture to fit someone’s desires. And she does this with so much grace and compassion."
https://juliesanders.org/testimonials/susan/
"Through the years and seasons of life, Julie willingly follows God's open doors and trusts Him at times when some windows have closed. I have gratefully watched, learned and gathered courage for my own following. Whether speaking, writing, or just being present, Julie's grace, wit, interests and love draw others closer in to listen and follow her in step with His grace and mercy."

Carla - Volunteer Coordinator, Harvest Church, Oswego, Illinois

Julie Sanders, Author and Speaker
5
2019-09-08T18:04:20-04:00

Carla - Volunteer Coordinator, Harvest Church, Oswego, Illinois

"Through the years and seasons of life, Julie willingly follows God's open doors and trusts Him at times when some windows have closed. I have gratefully watched, learned and gathered courage for my own following. Whether speaking, writing, or just being present, Julie's grace, wit, interests and love draw others closer in to listen and follow her in step with His grace and mercy."
https://juliesanders.org/testimonials/carla/
"Julie Sanders is uniquely gifted to speak the never-changing truth of God into the ever-changing lives of women. With authenticity and the confidence that grows from a journey of finding God faithful in every season, Julie calls women to find peace and comfort in Him alone."

Kristi - Women's Ministry Director, The Chapel in North Canton, Canton, OH

Julie Sanders, Author and Speaker
5
2019-09-13T21:32:41-04:00

Kristi - Women's Ministry Director, The Chapel in North Canton, Canton, OH

"Julie Sanders is uniquely gifted to speak the never-changing truth of God into the ever-changing lives of women. With authenticity and the confidence that grows from a journey of finding God faithful in every season, Julie calls women to find peace and comfort in Him alone."
https://juliesanders.org/testimonials/9175/
5
3
Julie Sanders, Author and Speaker

Join the Conversation

Join the Conversation
Find a peace we can share
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2025 Julie Sanders. All Rights Reserved. | Site by MRM | Privacy | Opt-Out

Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
  • Manage options
  • Manage services
  • Manage {vendor_count} vendors
  • Read more about these purposes
View preferences
  • {title}
  • {title}
  • {title}