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‘Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”’ – 1Timothy 4:7-8 NLT.

Man is a tripartite being – spirit, soul, and body. These three components which make up a human being are interrelated, and each of these components need to be cared for in order to achieve a balanced life. However, we seem to pay more attention to the third component, the body, than the other two components. This is because the other two parts cannot be seen with the physical eyes, we only see their manifestations; so it becomes easy to attend more to the body. If we devote half of the time, we devote on our bodies on building our spiritual lives, our lives will turn out better. Each component of the man requires appropriate attention to have a complete man, attending to one part at the expense of the other leaves us with the consequence of malformation, deformation, or untimely eviction from life (death).

Physical Exercise Versus Spiritual Exercise

The Word of God does affirm the fact that physical exercise has some importance, but spiritual exercise is much more profitable (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Physical exercise is helpful in keeping our bodies fit and healthy whereas spiritual exercise keeps the spirit strong, healthy, and fit. Physical exercise enables the body to develop stamina, develops the human physique and burns down excessive fat. On the other hand, spiritual exercise develops our spiritual muscles, provides strength amidst life’s challenges, and keeps us in check against self, worldliness, and carnality. Additionally, everyone can engage in physical exercise, but spiritual exercise can only be carried out by those who are born of the Spirit (John 3:6), led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14), and walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). Physical exercise is only profitable in time, but spiritual exercise is profitable both in time and eternity. As earlier mentioned, both physical and spiritual exercises are important for a balanced and effective life, however, in order of importance, spiritual exercise supersedes physical exercise.

Physical exercise is only profitable in time, but spiritual exercise is profitable both in time and eternity

Aspects of Spiritual Exercise

To exercise the physical body to be fit and healthy, activities such as walking, jogging, running, skipping, cycling and weightlifting, to mention a few, are recommended. When it comes to spiritual exercises to keep the spirit fit and healthy, what kind of exercises should be engaged in? Here are three:

Exercise in the Word: When we’re saved, it is our spirit that is regenerated; therefore, the more attention we give to the spirit, the soul and the body become subject to the leadership of the spirit. Jesus declares that His word is spirit and life (John 6:63). The more we study the word of God, the more strengthened our spirit becomes. Comparing God’s word with physical food, Job said he esteemed the word of God than his necessary food (Job 23:12). Christ also declared in response to the tempter in the wilderness that man’s survival isn’t only a function of physical food alone, but man is truly sustained by the word of God (Matthew 4:4). An exercise in the word signifies maintaining a disciplined and dedicated lifestyle of labouring in the word of God. In labouring, we read, study, meditate, practice, and preach the word (1Timothy 4:13-16). When we maintain the discipline of exercising in the word, our spiritual physique is developed, we’re strengthened, enlightened, and emboldened to face the adversary. An exercise in the word empowers us for righteousness, thoroughly furnishes us and makes us perfectly fit for God’s purpose (2Timothy 3:16-17). An exercise in the word builds faith in us for a victorious life (Romans 10:17; 1John 5:4). Without a daily exercise in the word, we would be spiritually myopic, malnourished, lethargic, timid, and live short of God’s abundant promises and provisions for our lives. The benefits of exercising in the word cannot be overemphasized.

Without a daily exercise in the word, we would be spiritually myopic, malnourished, lethargic, timid, and live short of God’s abundant promises and provisions for our lives.

Exercise in Fasting and Prayer: A truly victorious Christian life is not possible without a fervent prayer life. Prayer, with an addition of periodic fasting will help the spirit develop spiritual stamina, strength and focus on the journey of faith. Jesus charged His disciples to watch and pray that they fall not into temptation (Matthew 26:41). The exercise of prayer with fasting has the capacity to engender victory and turn the wrath of God as in the case of the Jews and the people of Nineveh (Esther 4:16; Joel 2:12-19; Jonah 3:5,10). There are certain dimensions in God that can only be experienced by the exercise of fasting and prayer. Moses was in God’s presence for forty days and nights to receive the ten commandments for Israel (Exodus 24:18; 34:27-28,30). After spending forty days and nights with God twice on the mount, Moses was transfigured so that his face shone, and the Israelites were afraid of coming near him (Exodus 34:30). This is what happens to a man who spends time with God in prayer and fasting; his spirit gets infused with the Spirit of God, and this results in physical reflection of God’s glory on such a man. Christ had a similar experience on the mount of transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-2). Elijah received instructions about his successor and was able to identify him after his forty days fast (1Kings 19:7-8,19-21). Jesus only commenced His public ministry after a forty-day spiritual exercise of fasting and prayer (Luke 4:1-2,14). The Apostle Paul and Barnabas were separated for a missionary assignment during a period of prayer and fasting (Acts 13:1-2). When we fast and pray regularly, we wean our spirit of certain distractions that could hinder us from fulfilling the purpose of God for our lives. It sharpens our spiritual sensitivity while subduing our appetite for sinful pleasures. We also receive an enlarged capacity, clarity and direction concerning the will of God for our lives when we engage in this spiritual exercise of prayer and fasting.

We also receive an enlarged capacity, clarity and direction concerning the will of God for our lives when we engage in this spiritual exercise of prayer and fasting.

Exercise in Fellowship with other Believers: Fellowship with other believers is a potent force in spiritual exercise. We are stronger together when we identify as members of the body of Christ. It was Jesus’ custom to always worship with the Jews in their Synagogue (Luke 4:16). In fellowship we are sharpened as the Scripture in Proverbs 27:17 puts it: “Iron sharpens iron; so, a man sharpens the countenance of his friends”. In fellowship with other believers, we are encouraged and strengthened to continue our journey of faith to the finish line. The Apostle Paul was stoned to coma, and while the brethren came and stood around him, he rose up and continued his missionary assignment (Acts 14:19-20). Peter was in prison and his death scheduled for the following day, but the Church prayed earnestly until an angel was sent to deliver him (Acts 12:5-10).  We are charged not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but to exhort one another as we see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). The Bible also encourages us to comfort one another in the faith as we fellowship together (1Tessalonians 4:18). During the Pentecost experience, the believers were strongly united in fellowship, had their needs met and great power was available for the manifestation of signs and wonders (Acts 4:32-37). So, in the spiritual exercise of fellowship we enjoy strength, encouragement, love, power, comfort, and intercession for one another. We also have the privilege of being a blessing to other members of Christ’s body. We are not called to the Christian race to run alone, but in fellowship with fellow believers. If we run alone, we’re prone to become causalities. Therefore, let’s take advantage of this lifeline of fellowship that God has graciously provided for our edification, ministerial fulfillment, and perfection (Ephesians 4:11-13).

If we run alone, we’re prone to become causalities. Therefore, let’s take advantage of this lifeline of fellowship that God has graciously provided for our edification, ministerial fulfillment, and perfection (Ephesians 4:11-13).

In conclusion, the above list is not exhaustive, there are more aspects of spiritual exercise.  As a Christian, what are your priorities? Are you always visiting the physical gym and not visiting the spiritual gym of God’s presence where your spirit is strengthened to fulfill God’s purpose? Your attitude towards spiritual exercises will determine whether you’re a natural man, a carnal man, or a spiritual man. Remember, physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next (1Timothy 4:8). Be blessed!