How Important Is Exercise For A Healthy Christian Family?

As Christians, we can dig into many books and sermons to exercise our brain. Spiritual growth through reading the Bible and prayer are foundational to live a Christian life. Physical exercise, although not as important as Spiritual matters, is extremely beneficial in maintaining a healthy body as well. If you can train your brain, why not train your own body too? Timothy affirms this by saying, “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1Timothy 4:8) So, what are “some” of the values of exercising?

"Exercise and application produce order in our affairs, health of body, cheerfulness of mind, and these make us precious to our friends." – Thomas Jefferson

Exercise Creates A Better Mood

“Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.” (mayoclinic.com) Talk about a win-win! A family that commits to being active will actually be a happier family! I know from my own personal experience that exercising is a great way to blow off steam. When your job or a person lets you down, you can tend to get negative. Exercising brings things into focus. Focus on God as you exercise and you will find it amazing how much easier it is to forgive them and move on, which will also allow you to stay healthier. Holding grudges and forgiveness from people honestly only hurts you, physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Forgiveness releases you and will put you in a better mood! When you are in a better mood, of course your family life will be much better!

Longer Life Span

Exercising does help in living a longer life. It saddens me so when I see people die at such young ages from diabetes or heart failure because of poor eating habits and no physical activity. As hard as family life is sometimes, your family does love you and they do want to see you live as long as possible. Do you have children? Many men and women have left for Heaven too early and have left little ones behind. Give you children everything you’ve got! Not just spiritually, but physically too! Take your son outside to play basketball instead of that hour of TV watching. Take your daughter on a 2 mile walk and have a talk instead of eating that bag of chips. Your family wants what’s best for you, and I know you do too. I am saying this from personal experience because I was extremely overweight earlier in life. If you are overweight, I understand. But I know that you can change! You need to want it though. It takes discipline and action. Your family will thank you for it! I promise!

It Can Bring Families Together

Exercise as a family? Really? Heck yes!! Some of my best memories are competing against my brothers in basketball, or the playful banter of flirting with your spouse during a game of football. You know you want to tackle your spouse! Exercise is about being active. Playing sports with your family is a great way to get in exercise. Your emotional ties will grow stronger with one another and you will be healthier in the process. It is great for the little ones too! Pretend to almost catch your 3 year old as they cross the end zone for a touchdown. They get excited about it and you will experience that amazing feeling of love as you see them achieve a goal. Spending quality time with family and combining exercise into that time will give you many wonderful memories and keep you healthy in the process. Most importantly, your love for your family will grow stronger every time you make time for them.

For Husbands And Wives

Exercising daily does boost your energy level and that can be great for your love life. When you see your spouse looking a little healthier every day, you will be drawn to them. It is human nature. You will crave them more and more as you see them taking care of themselves physically. After all, your body is not yours after you are married; it is your spouse’s. If you take the time to take care of your body, your spouse will notice! So, give your spouse your best! Exercise daily!

Conclusion

These are only a handful of the benefits that your family will enjoy as you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is very important for the family. The healthier you are, the happier you will be. So, give your family your best! If you never exercise, take baby steps into it. Start by walking a half mile every day after dinner and work your way up from there. God bless you all!

Parents read this article dedicated to why we should send our kids to Bible school.  Why to send kids to Bible school

Resources- ESV Holy Bible, Youtube,photo credit: mikebaird via photopin cc