BEING A CHRIST FOLLOWER IN TODAY’S FITNESS CULTURE
Group exercise reflects a “Follow Me” approach to life. You follow your instructor. Mainstream fitness culture has a mix of both positive and negative influences. On the positive, fitness promotes optimal physical and emotional health and well-being. Conversely, it can be overly focused on appearance, perfection, and comparison. Social media tends to portray fitness with unrealistic body standards, leading to high dropout rates, insecurity, and unhealthy habits. A holistic view of fitness is about balance and longevity, disease prevention and improved well-being. A less holistic view emphasizes aesthetics, self-image and quick results. This article presents an alternative model. The Jesus-based model “Follow Me” shifts the focus from vanity to purpose, from striving to serving, and from temporary gains to lasting transformation— spirit, mind and body.
When Jesus used the phrase, “follow me” (In all 4 of the Gospel books in the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), He was calling people to live their lives in alignment with His teachings and example, to transform their lives. Following Jesus signifies a willingness to leave behind old ways and habits, to take up our cross daily, and to live out a commitment to Him above all other influences.
Ultimately, the call to follow Jesus reshapes our priorities, our actions, and our very identity!
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul is essentially telling the Corinthians to follow his example in the same way that he follows Christ. He Urges them to live their lives mirroring his actions modeled after Jesus’ teachings. Christians, are to live out their lives as imitators of Christ. We care for our minds and bodies, deny worldly pleasures, pick up our cross daily, and fight through difficult times. We are inspired daily to exercise, knowing that we carry Jesus with us everywhere we go.
IDENTITY IN CHRIST VS. IDENTITY IN FITNESS
A realistic definition of fitness should reflect a wholistic approach to health and wellness. It encompasses various physical abilities, such as strength, endurance, flexibility, and agility, which can differ significantly based on an individual’s goals, lifestyle, and daily activity demands.
Embracing a faith-centered definition of fitness should incorporate elements of modeling – “following” Jesus. Besides the common elements mentioned above, you can and should incorporate faith elements.
These can be determined through the following questions:
- What is my priority for exercise?
- Are my goals focused on health and well-being or self-esteem?
- Do these goals reflect my beliefs?
A faith-focused definition of fitness is the ability to carry out daily tasks without undue fatigue while striving for optimal health and spiritual well-being. Thus, being “fit” includes physical aptitude as well as a belief that our worth comes from being children of God, rather than our physical appearance.
STEWARDSHIP OF THE BODY
Are you honoring God by taking care of the body He has given you (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), or are you honoring yourself? A Christ-centered approach to fitness should focus on what truly matters: to align our lives with God-honoring priorities. Caring for our health and well-being shapes how we carry ourselves, influencing how we show up for and care for others.
Striving for good health can’t be forced on anyone; it is a personal choice, just as is following Jesus. It involves multiple practices including regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, stress management, and seeking preventive healthcare. By prioritizing these actions, you can honor God, love others, cultivate humility, and align with His example. That leads to finding purpose and fulfillment in life.
HUMILITY VS. PRIDE
A Christ-centered “follow me” focus on health and fitness recognizes that strength and ability come from God (Philippians 4:13). When we get discouraged after starting an exercise program or new health behavior change, that is usually a sign of pride. Pride reminds us that we are not making the improvements WE want fast enough! Humility reminds us that Jesus never said it would be easy.
Avoid discouragement by setting realistic goals and choosing activities that are enjoyable and accessible. Discouragement is self-defeating and is not what Jesus desires. In Matthew 11:28, He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This reminds us that even when we feel overwhelmed, we can find strength and comfort in Him.
Discouragement is a natural part of the human experience. But when we faithfully listen to Christ’s call, “follow me”, God gives us strength to overcome discouragement and cultivate daily hope for a brighter future.
COMMUNITY OF FAITH AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Faith is deeply rooted in community, and this extends to faith-driven fitness as well. A Christ-centered fitness community encourages exercise not just for personal gain but also as an act of honoring God.
Through shared values and motivation, encouragement and accountability, faith communities provide a built-in support system. That helps individuals stay committed to their health goals while reinforcing spiritual values. Turn to faith in Jesus to overcome discouragement, acknowledge your feelings, immerse yourself in in the Bible, seek support from a faith-based community, and engage in prayer and reflection.
God can help you to keep fitness from becoming an idol in your life and avoid a culture that glorifies self.
GLORIFYING GOD THROUGH FITNESS
Holiness signifies being set apart for God, striving to model our life after His, and living a life rooted in His principles through our thoughts, words, and deeds. To be “whole and holy” means achieving a state of complete physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being while dedicating our lives to following Jesus. It means letting our thoughts, words, and actions reflect His principles.
This pursuit integrates health, balance, and a moral commitment to higher values. God tells us in the Bible that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). We are to use them for God-pleasing worship, offering ourselves as daily sacrifices to do what God wants us to do.
This theology of gym going is a daily discipline, a conscious and directed effort with God to glorify God now and reach our full potential someday in Heaven.
‘FOLLOW ME’ – CHRIST’S COUNTER CULTURE FOR YOU
Jesus taught that true healing [and fitness] come from the inside out, through faith in God and a persistent focus on Him. The Bible reminds us that God looks at the heart, rather than outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7), and He transforms us from within. Let that be the ‘new me’ you see. We need Him to care daily for us—both inside and out.
Refocus your fitness and health goals to align with a personal daily walk with Jesus. As you do that ask yourself: Am I working in tandem with God?
We will never reach complete wellness and wholeness until we are in Heaven. We are always a work in progress until God embraces us in His arms on the streets of eternal life. As we shed old habits and embrace new, God-pleasing ones, we begin the path to wellness. What diet we follow, the exercise we do, and the stress relievers we use can help us stay healthy, but true wholeness and wellness are found only in Christ.
Today’s fitness culture will ultimately lead you to fall short of your full God-given potential. But, when Jesus says, follow me, know that it’s an invitation to His very best for you.
