How would you rate your physical condition today?
Measuring physical health is a multi-layered process that moves beyond simple metrics like weight. By assessing the five key components of fitness—cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition—in combination with vital signs like blood pressure and cholesterol, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of your well-being.
Whether through advanced clinical testing or accessible at-home methods, regular assessment provides the data needed to make informed decisions about your lifestyle. Remember, these measures are not just numbers, but powerful tools that can guide you toward a healthier, more vibrant life. Focusing on continuous improvement across these areas is the most effective strategy for long-term health.[1]
Even more important than our physical condition is the condition of our spirit. While our physical condition determines our quality and longevity in this life, our spiritual condition has “eternal” consequences.
The Apostle Paul shared with the church at Corinth the importance of being “spiritually fit” (1 Corinthians 9:24-26). This would be critical in navigating the challenges they faced as Christians. For believers today, challenges continue. The 21st century has brought new challenges that affect individuals, communities, nations, and the world as a whole.
So today, we will use the analogy of weight training to share three (3) areas where we can strengthen our daily faith walk and foster spiritual growth.
Upper Body: Doing God’s Will
God is building our “upper body” so we will be able to “do His will.” The “head and heart” is where we are conformed to the image of Christ. Philippians 2:5 admonishes us to “Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.”
Christ was loving (when people were unlovable), obedient (when He was tempted to do otherwise) and steadfast (when Satan tried to distract Him from the cross). He did nothing on His own but only what the Father told Him to do. (John 14:10)
Lower Body: Doing God’s Work
God is building our “lower body” so we will be able to “do His work.” It is time for us to move forward with the individual ministries God has placed in our heart to do. Ephesians 2:10 states, “We are His workmanship created unto good works which He has before ordained that we should walk in.”
We think ministry work is limited to the pulpit and to the preacher. Wrong! Ministry in Greek means service. (Acts 1:17; Ephesians 4:12) We were not saved to “sit” but to “serve.”
Our Core: Trusting God’s Way
God is building our “core” muscles so that we will be able to “trust and believe.” These are key areas we need to work on continuously. We strengthen our core when we learn to wait on the Lord. Isaiah 40: 31states: “They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.” Our ability to wait is foundational to our trust in God.
Our ability to trust is based on our confidence in what or who we believe in. Our belief is influenced by what we know. To build strong core muscles, we must trust and believe in God–His greatness, His goodness and His fidelity.
Begin today
As with any new exercise program, it is important to begin strengthening our spiritual man as soon as possible. Each day we delay, we leave ourselves open to temptation, spiritual weakness and disease (sin).
There will always be excuses, but remember, God’s purpose can only be fulfilled in our lives through our obedience to His Word and our faithful discipline. (1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27). Begin today!
[1] Exploring what are the Measures of Physical Health, October 24, 2025, Welly-A Trusted Health Guide,