As our spring/summer garments emerge from hibernation we frequently find that they do not fit as attractively as we would like. The bulkiness of the winter garments may have graciously camouflaged areas of our bodies that the ones for spring and summer painfully emphasize. Our mirrors may challenge us to pose the question, “Is physical fitness something I should prioritize?”
This month’s Everyday Homemaker’s post is designed to provide both a biblical and practical response to this question. Kelsey and I are pleased to welcome our guest, Emily Jones, who will assist us in our response.
I met Emily when we attended the same church while I was on the faculty of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She was the first person that I met on my initial Sunday at Rock Creek Baptist Church. Seated in front of me, her radiant smile and sparkling eyes welcomed me to the congregation. Subsequently, our relationship grew, and eventually she became my student. Kelsey then joined us at Rock Creek and grew to love her as I do. I know you will be encouraged by the contents of their interview as you read Kelsey’s Korner!
KELSEY’S KORNER
Kelsey: Emily, thank you so much for being willing to share your thoughts on physical fitness with us! I’m eager to hear your perspectives and to learn how these convictions push you to grow healthier and stronger.
I’ve known you for many years now, and your focus on health and fitness is a newer development. What were some of the factors in your life that caused you to take a second look at your health?
Emily: First of all, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share my story. I’m excited to encourage other women with what God can do in our lives; his work truly is amazing.
You are so right! For 27 years, I would say I lived a somewhat healthy life, except in the area of physical activity. I would try to discipline myself, but I never stuck to any consistent plan.
In my twenties, I developed some very unhealthy ways of thinking about myself and my life – thinking based on lies rather than on God’s truth about who I am as his daughter and how much I am loved by Him without respect to anything I have done. I decided that a practical way I could shift my thinking was by appreciating what God had given me, instead of letting untruth dictate my thoughts. I started to view my life, my body and my health as GIFTS from my Father.
There was also another factor that motivated me to begin focusing on my health. I wanted to be a wife and mom one day and I knew I wasn’t fit or very strong. So, one of my main motivations at the beginning of 2020 was to be healthy for my future family. I wanted to be ready – strong, healthy, prepared.
Fast forward to almost two and a half years later and though I’m still single, my motivation hasn’t changed but it has grown. I now also want to be healthy and strong for the tasks and service that God has given me to do today.
Kelsey: That’s amazing. Thank you for sharing your story! This resonates with me so much, and I can testify that physical strength and fitness is needed in order to face the daily requirements of motherhood! So, as believers, why would you say physical fitness something we should prioritize?
Emily: As I’ve grown in my love for fitness, God has also been faithful to grow and change my thinking about it. First of all, we have to remember that God is our Creator. We honor Him when we are faithful in our stewardship of the bodies that he has given us. And, conversely, we dishonor the Lord by neglecting or despising what He has created.
Second, it is important to remember that our bodies are gifts. If we really think about it, they are the first physical gift that we are given in this life from the Lord. And not only that, but as believers, our bodies are called temples because God dwells within us. Even more reason to steward them faithfully!
Kelsey: That is so insightful - I’ve never thought about the fact that the physical body was the first gift God gave to humans! So as we endeavor to exercise more, what are some godly goals we should focus on?
Emily: When it comes to physical fitness, we often set practical goals and there is nothing wrong with them. The problem with practical goals is that there is a limit to how long we will be motivated by them. On the other hand, if we love God and desire to walk in a manner that is pleasing to Him, our goals, even for our health, we will have a different focus. Love for God is the best and most lasting motivation. The following are some characteristics that will flow from our love for God.
Faithfulness—stewarding well what has been entrusted to us, in a manner that is trustworthy and loyal. We can be encouraged that God will help us do what is right. After all, He is a faithful God. And because He is faithful, we should follow in His footsteps in every area of our lives.
Discipline—habitually choosing what is right and good and helpful, above our natural desires. Discipline frees us to do and pursue what is important.
Consistency—the act of doing something regularly. Consistent faithfulness brings about good, life-giving, positive change. Doing one small faithful thing consistently will make a big difference over the course of time.
Kelsey: That is incredibly encouraging. I think we have all had good intentions that fall flat. For those of us discouraged or having a hard time staying motivated, what are some words of encouragement or scriptures you would counsel us to dwell on?
Emily: Ok, this is my favorite part! Let’s start with scripture.
Luke 10:27, “You shall love the Lord your God…with all your strength…” God is so worthy of our love. We get to love Him with all of ourselves.
Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Our effort should be grace motivated action. Because God has done everything for us, and He is the one who now strengthens and helps us, we can be confident that He will meet our baby steps of faithfulness with his divine strength.
Finally, 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us that “…whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” All. That includes how we steward and care for our bodies.
Now that we have some biblical basis for our motivation, I’ll share what has helped me put these biblical principles into practice.
Determine your why. What will keep you showing up, no matter what? What is so important to you that you will put your shoes on and start even if you don’t want to?
Purpose to live by faith not feelings. Do what is faithful even if it feels hard, uncomfortable or pointless. Remember that God will help you and has already given you grace to honor him!
Locate an accountability partner – having a friend to walk alongside with makes the BIGGEST difference
Focus on little wins and victories
And finally remember that every day is a new day. God gives new mercies every single morning. So start fresh each day by remembering his promises and receiving His grace (Lam. 3:23).
Kelsey: Emily, I will cherish these encouragements and put them into action in my own life. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us! I know our readers will be as uplifted as I now am!
Meet Emily
Emily Jones is a follower of Jesus and enjoys spending quality time with people, including her 7 siblings and 5 (almost 6!) nieces and nephew. She works full time in an audiology office, while simultaneously building her exercise coaching business where she loves helping women grow in faithfulness in their health journeys. You can follow her life on Instagram at @emmydjones and connect with her by email at missemilydjones@gmail.com. She would love to meet you!
THE EVERYDAY HOMEMAKER’S MONTHLY MEDITATION THOUGHT
God’s Word states, “…do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1. Cor. 6:19-20)
Therefore, I may boldly say, “I will chose to carefully steward the body God has entrusted to me in a manner that is trustworthy and loyal!”
You might enjoy other of our health related Posts:
“Have You Been Immunized for Spiritual COVID-19?”
“Do You Have Spiritual Cataracts?“
“Feeling Spiritually Sluggish”
“Creating a Spiritual Health Spa in Your Home? “
“Needed…Nutrients for Multi-tasking”
Blessings on your day as you focus on making your house a home!