It is obvious that the physically healthiest among us (setting aside unfortunate genetic illness or injury) are that way because of a good diet, sober life and appropriate exercise. There is a spiritual equivalent to this revealed in the New Testament.
Consider first Jesus’ description of Himself in John 6:35, “And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” It is correct to note that every aspect of our spiritual sustenance comes directly from Jesus. We are without strength without Him. But as Paul noted, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
So what part do we play? First, we seek the proper spiritual nutrition that comes from ingesting Jesus’ word. As He said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). There are numerous places in scripture that use the metaphor of feeding to describe both teaching and learning. For example, the apostle Peter wrote, “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Peter 2:2-3).
Second, we exercise ourselves spiritually. Consider Paul’s words in this, “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance” (1 Timothy 4:7-9). The text of Hebrews 5 includes another reference to exercise that helps here, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (14). The continuous application of God’s word to our lives strengthens us spiritually, just as physical exercise strengthens our muscles.
Finally, consider the importance of a disciplined life. We all know of even gifted athletes whose career was shortened or ruined by a dissolute lifestyle. The best parallel spiritual description is given by Paul in Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The Hebrew writer describes such a life as an endurance race that we run, “looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (12:2).
With all three of these things, we can be spiritually strong and capable servants of Jesus.
