Let's Get Physical

by Renee Coates Scheidt

I didn't believe it would ever happen to me. But after hitting that "over the hill" age of forty, I began to see it coming. My body was actually aging! "I'm too young for this," I protested. But after trying to "suck it in" since I gained a few pounds in all the wrong places; waking up sweating in the middle of the night; seeing brown patches appear here and there on my face; having my teen girls laugh when I raised my arms to direct music because the 'flab' under my arms was dancing around; and battling fatigue so often that I ran constantly on caffeine, I got the message: I had better pay attention to this physical body God has given me! It is literally my "vehicle" which enables me to go and serve God. If it breaks down, due to my own lack of responsibly caring for what God has entrusted to me, then I may find myself sitting on the sidelines when I'd really rather be on the field in the midst of the game.

Since the time I was in college, I'd laugh in agreement when I heard the phrase, "I'd rather burn out than rust out." It gave me the impression that those who wore out while serving the Lord were extra spiritual.  And Paul told Timothy that there's only a little profit in bodily exercise, but godliness is profitable in all things, both now and eternally (1 Tim. 4:8). So, I incorrectly reasoned, why mess around with something that's only helpful in this life since it will soon be gone? Let's focus on the spiritual!

It's easy to ignore taking care of our physical bodies while we're young. But as I "matured" (doesn't that sound better than "aged"?), I realized I could no longer neglect this area if I were to be an effective servant and a good steward of what God had given me.

As the years continued, I began to see what the foolishness of the unbalanced view I formerly held. "What's happening to me?" I wondered as I slugged around. "Why don't I care about the things I know are vital as I used to?" Even if the desire to minister was present, the means to do so was greatly hindered when all I could think about was how tired I was! I found I really didn't want to fellowship with God or others when fatigue reigned in my body. Serious Bible study and fervent prayer slipped by the wayside.  My joy and positive attitude disappears as impatience and frustration took their place. Opportunities to do good were neglected. It soon became apparent to me that I really had little to off in this condition. It was time to change course. It was time to get physical!

God designed us as body, soul and spirit. In order to be all the He created us to be, we must pay attention to each area. All three legs of this three-legged stool need to be strong to live a balanced life. After becoming aware of this, it suddenly seemed Bible verses regarding the body jumped out at me everywhere. The Apostle Paul begged us to submit our bodies to God as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1).  He wrote of how he disciplined his own body and brought it into subjection (1 Cor. 9:27). That encourages me! He taught us that once we have received Christ as Savior, our bodies become the temple of the Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and therefore should always be using in a way that glorifies God. John, the  beloved Apostle, prayed that his friend Gaius would "be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 3).  Even 1 Tim. 4:8 seemed to take a different slant now. Paul wasn't dismissing the importance of health and exercise. He wasn't saying, "don't waste your time on this since it doesn't have eternal rewards." No.  In fact, he stated that it's good to experience! His point was to show the superiority of godliness, not to throw out good healing discipline. With this new-found attitude, I scheduled a visit to see my doctor. He encouraged me to 'get with the program.' "Start exercising at least 3 times a week for a minimum of 20 minutes. Cut your caffeine, sugar and salt. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink 8 supplements.  Then come see me in 4 weeks, and let's see how you feel then."

"You mean, I have to make lifestyle changes?" I jokingly replied. "Can't you just give me a pill?" We laughed together, knowing that this was going to require effort on my part."

It's been over five years since I chose to get this body up to speed. I had always heard that once you 'get into it' you'll be eagerly wanting to excise everyday. Well, I haven't gotten that far! But I can say that my overall health has improved, I love feeling energized instead of just getting through the task. It's a real plus when my favorite outfit now fits nicely instead of looking like it was sewn on me! And it's wonderful not to wake up wringing wet in the middle of the night, but to sleep undisturbed. Even more importantly, my 'get up and go' has returned, which certainly has restored my desire and ability for the Lord's service. Believe me, the actions I've taken to improve my physical health has paid double rewards.  More than just a healthier body, my spiritual life has also benefited. So come on ladies, let's get physical!  The cost is small when compared to the rewards.

This article originally appeared in "Just Between Us" Magazine, Winter 2000 issue.