“What if your workout is a form of worship?” That’s the question I ask myself practically every time I lace up my trail hiking shoes or walk into my CrossFit gym. As someone who is passionate about physical fitness, outdoor adventure, and following Jesus Christ, I’ve discovered that honoring God with my body isn’t just a Sunday thing—it’s an everyday act of worship. And for me, it’s deeply connected to the message of my book Humble Influence—specifically Chapter 13, titled Working With All Your Heart.
[Publisher’s Note: As you read this article, prayerfully listen to God and apply the instruction to your fitness lifestyle.]
Paul wrote in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” That includes your job, your relationships, and yes—even your workouts.
THIS IS WORSHIP
The Autumn 2025 issue of Faith & Fitness Magazine focuses on the theme, “THIS is Worship!” I can’t think of a better moment to reflect on how our commitment to faith and fitness intersects with The Nature of God. We are made in His image, and our bodies are designed to move, work, and glorify Him.
For me, pushing a weighted sled across the CrossFit gym floor or hiking through a rhododendron tunnel in West Virginia’s Dolly Sods Wilderness (see picture at top of article) – both are worship. It’s a physical expression of gratitude for the life and strength He’s given me.
God doesn’t separate the sacred from the physical—He unites them. The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and when we honor them, we honor Him.
FITNESS THROUGH THE LENS OF FELLOWSHIP
In Humble Influence, I talk about the power of followership as a form of leadership—leading from the middle, with humility and purpose.
Chapter 13 encourages us to “work with all your heart”—not for applause or accolades, but for God’s glory. That’s a principle that easily translates to the gym, the trail, the classroom, or the boardroom.
Just like physical fitness demands repetition, resistance, and intentional recovery, spiritual fitness requires discipline, endurance, and humility. You don’t just wake up with strength—you train for it. Likewise, becoming a strong follower of Christ takes daily decisions, consistent effort, and trust in God’s process.
This autumn, I encourage you to consider your routines—your workouts, your hikes, your food choices, your sleep habits—not just as tasks, but as acts of worship.
STRONGER OUTDOORS, STRONGER WITHIN
One of the most authentic ways I worship is by spending time in God’s creation. Whether I’m casting a fly rod in a mountain stream or hiking through the woods with a backpack, I feel connected to the Creator. Psalm 19:1 reminds us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Nature is a sanctuary.
In these moments, I’m reminded that the strength I build outdoors isn’t just physical. It’s also mental, emotional, and spiritual. It’s the strength of quiet followership—the kind of strength that says, “God, I trust You with this next step, this next breath, this next lift.”
Featured Video:
[Embedded Vimeo Video]
Title: Worship in Motion: A Day of Faith, Fitness, and Following
A short 3-minute video of a trail run through West Virginia’s mountains, with voiceover excerpts from Chapter 13 of Humble Influence and Colossians 3:23.
A LIFESTYLE OF WORSHIP
True worship isn’t confined to a pew or a worship band—it’s lived out in our daily disciplines. When we submit our workouts, our careers, our families, and even our recreation to God, we’re saying, “Lord, I follow You with everything I have.” That’s what Humble Influence is all about.
It’s about working with integrity when no one is watching. It’s honoring God in how you lead and how you follow. It’s remembering that folding laundry or pushing through your final CrossFit rep both carry spiritual weight.
FROM THE GYM FLOOR TO THE MOUNTAIN RIDGE
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be the strongest person in the room. But you can be faithful. And that’s where real strength is found.
THIS is worship. This effort. This breath. This heart that beats to serve.
Whether you’re pulling weight off the ground or bowing your head in prayer, you’re reflecting the nature of God—a God who served, who sacrificed, and who invites us to follow Him with our whole heart.
So today, go lift. Go hike. Go worship. And do it all with joy.
One Response
I just read makes so much sense and agree. Thank you for this beautiful inspiration to us to educate for caring. I’m purchasing the book!