New Year, New You | A Renewed Vision on Health and Fitness

1/17/2020

By: Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Fitness Ministry

As you work toward discovering and living out your God-given potential this new year, the Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale Fitness Ministry encourages you to approach such development from a holistic perspective that encompasses spiritual, mental, and physical health.

‘Tis the season of New Year’s resolutions, many of which include losing weight, eating better, and spending more time at the gym.

Few would argue against the importance of developing positive habits in support of improved health and wellness, though many might overlook the importance of viewing health from a holistic perspective that includes our physical, spiritual, and mental health.

Viewing our vitality from a biblical perspective can help us better understand the value and benefits of becoming fit in spirit, mind, and body.

Spiritual Fitness

“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 life to come.” -1 Timothy 4:8

The Bible talks about the importance of being spiritually aware and strong in Ephesians 6:12, as it reads, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of darkness of the world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

The word “wrestle” implies that we are fighting against these things and therefore need to be healthy; this speaks to the importance of being spiritually fed regularly by going to church, spending time in Bible study, and attending fellowship activities that allow us to be spiritually strong.

Mental Fitness

“More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.” -Proverbs 4:23

Mental health is essential because thoughts tend to manifest themselves through words, actions, and behaviors. If an individual has fearful, self-limiting beliefs, they are less likely to walk in faith. We are the product of our thoughts, which is why Proverbs 23:7 states that, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Therefore we must guard our mind and “meditate on the word day and night . . .” (Psalms 12:3) so we can maintain a sharp mind and walk boldly in faith.

Physical Fitness

“Or 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 Corinthians 6:19-20

We are one-of-a kind designs handcrafted by God, and we can honor Him by taking care of our bodies. Regular exercise and movement impacts the mind as much as it does the body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that improves mood, and its effects increase when you exercise. Physical activity also stimulates the release of endorphins—hormones that reduce feelings of pain and increase feelings of pleasure. Due to its power and relation to these hormones, regular exercise is considered an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression and stress.

The Calvary Fitness Ministry incorporates faith into fitness.

If you’re interested in checking out a Women’s Fitness group, click here to view the current class offerings (click the Fitness tab under the Group Focus search category). Each class provides a brief Bible teaching along with an awesome workout.

And if you or your child enjoy playing soccer, we invite you to look into Calvary’s youth and adult soccer leagues that meet right here on our campus throughout the week! Click here to view the schedule.

Although exercising more and eating healthier are great resolutions, this new year, I encourage you to commit to the resolution of seeking God and setting spiritual goals.

When our hearts are aligned with the Father’s and we are growing spiritually, we will be better equipped to care for our physical bodies. May God’s Word transform us from the inside out (Psalms 119:11).

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