Many people grew up hearing teaching on the verse that says, “For bodily exercise profiteth little” (1 Timothy 4:8, KJV). This phrasing was often interpreted to mean that taking good care of one’s physical health was at the bottom of the list in terms of overall well-being.
However, let’s take a closer look. In this epistle, the church was being established. Paul was constantly on the move, laying the foundation and raising up leaders. He had placed young Timothy in charge of the Ephesus church. Timothy had his hands full with teaching, refereeing doctrinal differences and developing other leaders. Paul was encouraging Timothy in his difficult task of dealing with these practical issues.
The point of verse eight is simply to remind the faithful that our spirits live on, therefore spiritual health is paramount. However, Paul wasn’t demoting physical health to a footnote. In fact, he promoted holistic health throughout his epistles. He was saying, “Timothy, make sure you teach them how to keep their priorities straight and live a balanced life.”
Physical health is a key part of that balance, and the facts should give us pause. In many countries, large population groups live sedentary lives. Since COVID-19, remote schedules are becoming the workplace norm; employees can sit at home and do a full day’s work practically without moving. Today, you can obtain a university degree online and have your groceries delivered while you study.
All of this, however, comes at a price. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says that more than 42 percent of American adults are obese. David Bush, author of The Body Gospel, says that obesity is 10 percent higher in the church.
Our physical vigor impacts our spiritual walk. Prayer, fasting and all manner of spiritual disciplines require energy. If our bodies aren't cooperating, we may miss out on opportunities to enhance our spiritual growth. Frankly assessing our physical health, and taking the steps we can to improve it, expands our ability to serve.
Bush says it well: “I want to be able to enjoy more of God, and I can do that when I'm eating right and exercising and I'm at a healthy weight. I want to be able to love on my family as well as strangers who need the Lord. I want to be able to engage them at their point of need. I do that better when my physical body is under control.”