Exercise

Physical training has some benefits to us that we shouldn't overlook or dismiss.

One of the simplest (but hardest) ways to take care of our bodies is by exercising. We're called to steward our bodies as best as we can so that we can use them well for God's Kingdom purposes. God designed our bodies to move and to derive physical benefits from constant movement. Regular physical exercise can be an effective way for us to steward our bodies in preparation to serve God's Kingdom with them.

Although our spiritual lives (relationship with Christ) are most important, our bodies still hold some value. We meet Christ with these bodies. We serve Christ with them too. Consider what the apostle Paul told Timothy in one of his letters: "For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way" (1 Tim. 4:8 ESV). Although godliness is more valuable, Paul doesn't discard the fact that bodily training (i.e. exercise) holds some value and importance. Physical training has some benefits to us that we shouldn't overlook or dismiss.

Traditional monks take care of their bodies by actually using them for various activities. Some mistakenly think that monks just sit in a cell all day engaging in intense prayer and meditation. Traditional monks actually exert their bodies in various ways. They would engage in physical work such as tending the garden, baking, cleaning, and cooking. Some monks would walk long distances to get from place to place. Some would climb mountains and cross rivers. Other monks would incorporate a robust exercise routine in their daily schedule. They would intentionally use their God-given bodies by physically exerting themselves. And this was a way for them to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

As a modern monastic, I also try to find ways to exert my body every day. Yes, I spend ample amounts of time each day sitting down in prayer and meditation. But I also try to make sure that I leave room for physical activity. These days, I engage in a simple 30-minute exercise routine at least 5 days a week. This usually includes some cardio-vascular workout and some weightlifting. I try to keep the routine very simple so that I can do it on a consistent basis. If I try to do too much at one time, I might burn myself out and fail to keep the habit for the long haul. It's better to do simple things that you can be consistent with over a long period of time than work out hard for a few days and then give up for a whole year.

What simple physical activities can you do to keep your body in good working condition? By taking care of our bodies, we hope to keep using them well to serve God's Kingdom for years to come.

Barnabas the Monastic

Servant of Christ. Husband. Dad. Modern Monastic. I have a wild ambition in life: get as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as I can while on earth. I explore and integrate ancient Christian monk wisdom in modern everyday life. Lives in Canada.