Physical fitness, that is, being in good physical condition and healthy, is enthusiastically affirmed by many twenty-first century women. The biblical application is defined by three words . . . suitable, proper, and fit; they describe the Wise Proverbs 31 Woman’s attitude toward the condition of her body. Suitable guides her in the selection of physical toning activities that prepare her to fulfill the demands of her life. Proper encourages her to select activities that are dictated by good judgment. Fit expands the definition to challenge her to possess the qualifications necessary to meet conditions, circumstances, purposes, or demands. The Wise Woman described in Proverbs 31:17 is physically fit partially because of the rigorous work she does to maintain a well-run home.
A study of body mechanics helps us understand that much of the movement associated with the care of the home tones the body comparably with hours spent at the gym. First Timothy 4:8 directs wise women to the truth that “bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things;” thus a Wise Woman will be concerned about her character concurrently with the toning of her body. (1 Peter 3:3-6). The guidelines that follow help us balance our physical and spiritual fitness.
We have a realistic attitude towards our personal capabilities. God provides health boundaries to assist us in being sensible about the responsibilities we assume. Just because we can perform a skill does not mean that we should. Purposely pushing beyond safe health boundaries would be like jumping off a bridge and then praying on the way down that we won’t get hurt!
We acknowledge that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit; it is our responsibility to make it a fit dwelling place for Him (1. Cor. 6:19-20). It is a sobering thought to acknowledge that the Holy Spirit will not empower a spiritually dirty vessel.
We realize that we must be healthy to perform our duties efficiently. Applying this guideline suggests the freedom from all habits that would injure us physically, mentally, or spiritually (Rom. 12:1-2).
We understand the importance of recreation to maintain a healthy body. Mark 6:31 and Luke 9:10 describe our Lord’s sensitivity to his disciples’ need for rest and privacy from their demanding ministry. We would do well to adopt His model.
We accept the fact that sometimes, “others can, I cannot.” It is an exercise in futility to compare our capabilities with those of others, since each woman is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14).
We have a clear perspective regarding our body cycling and wisely accommodate its ebb and flow. The regular physical conditioning of our bodies allows us to be involved in the lives of others. Thus we should seek to balance the care of our homes with the care of our bodies to avoid becoming a worried, frazzled, and defensive woman who sacrifices herself on the altar of domesticity or physical fitness. Kelsey’s Korner offers a wealth of practical suggestions to implement these guidelines!
KELSEY’S KORNER
When I was in high school I used to view a gym membership as basically the essence of adulthood. I used to think, “man, someday when I don’t have homework and all I have is a job I’ll have time to go to the gym every night!” The depth of how incorrect that line of thinking was is now blatantly and laughably apparent, but at the time, I was convinced adulthood was a piece of cake.
Just after my husband and I bought our first home I thought, “well, this is it. I’m officially an adult!” So, of course, I got a gym membership. It was an awesome 2 months of feeling very grown-up until it all came screeching to a halt with the start of the COVID pandemic! Every gym shut down, and suddenly, like you, I found myself in mandatory quarantine. I had every intention of re-joining a gym after the pandemic, but had no idea we would have a baby by then and less “free time” than seemingly humanly possible.
For many of us, there is simply NO time for a gym membership, despite how grown-up it may seem. Yet even with no spare time, God still calls us to be a good steward of our bodies! This task can seem daunting, but with a little creativity, determination, and consistency, each of us can grow in the stewardship of our bodies.
Before I share some tips that have been helpful for me, let me give you a caveat. This is an area of my life that needs work! As a mom, it’s so easy to give everything for the eternal soul I’m called to steward that there’s simply nothing left to give. Parent or not, I’m sure you know the feeling! If we aren’t careful, we WILL burnout. But just like the “oxygen mask on the airplane” metaphor, we must first care for ourselves in order to care for those who rely on us for their wellbeing. I’m saying this to myself as much as I am to you. We absolutely must make time for our spiritual, physical, and even emotional wellbeing.
During the pandemic when my sense of adulthood smashed, I was faced with the challenge of making my home a gym. I tend to stay motivated to exercise when I have someone to watch, like in a fitness class, so I began looking for ways to keep the class feel but from home. I landed on the apps from “Down Dog”. With a fairly inexpensive subscription, you have access to all of their many apps, from HIIT to regular and prenatal yoga, to running, and more. Each of their apps allows you to tailor the workout - you set the length, intensity, areas you want extra focus on, and even the music. “Down Dog” then customizes a video for you to watch and follow. For me, it’s been just what I’ve needed to stay motivated, and on days when I have no time, I can set a 10-minute workout with high intensity for a quick but effective routine. (I am not being paid to advertise “Down Dog”—I’ve just genuinely loved the apps!)
If you’d prefer not to pay for apps, bodyweight exercise with light cardio is incredibly attainable from home. If you’re busy, learn to incorporate exercise into your daily routines. Stand instead of sit at work. Run instead of walk your dog. And if you have young children, use them as weights! On days when my toddler is a little extra clingy, I hold him as I do squats, or I throw him in the air. He always loves it, and I’m usually beat in no time!
If implementing an exercise routine is new for you, I’d encourage you to mull over these questions and use your answers to think creatively about what may work for you.
Do you prefer exercising on your own or in a group setting?
Would you like to be inside or outside?
Do you like to create your own routines, or would you like someone else to do that for you?
Is there a type of exercise you find particular enjoyment in, such as dancing or running?
Do you have any physical limitations that may dictate the type of workout you can enjoy?
Do you have any goals or areas you’d like to focus on?
No matter how valiant our efforts, a correct motivation is indispensable for a believer. As you think about stewarding your body and what that means, I’d highly encourage you to read last month’s post with our guest writer Emily Jones. I know you will be just as encouraged by it as I was!
THE EVERYDAY HOMEMAKER’S MONTHLY MEDITATION THOUGHT
God’s Word states, “She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong” (Prov. 31:17)
Therefore, I may boldly say, “I will choose to embrace regular physical conditioning of my body so that I can serve my Lord and be actively involved in the lives of others!”
You might enjoy other of our health-related Posts:
“Is Physical Fitness Something Christian Women Should Prioritize?”
“Creating a Spiritual Health Spa in Your Home? “
“Needed…Nutrients for Multi-tasking”
Kelsey and I are taking a leave of absence from theeverydayhomemaker.com to focus on new priorities our Lord has called us to in this season of our lives. I am using my teaching and administrative abilities to serve on the Spiritual Gifts Leadership and Gals Sharing Life (GSL) teams at church and Kelsey is directing all of her energies to her precious family. We look forward to adding Posts as our schedule permits. and encourage you to read our previous Posts. We are encouraged that you visited theeverydayhomemaker.com!
Blessings on you as you focus on making your house a home!