Every sane person wishes to be healthy, wealthy, fulfilled and have longevity. 1st Chronicles 29:26-28 says:
“Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel… And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour…”

Therefore, good health, long life and prosperity are the heritage of Gods children. Bodily exercise may indeed profit little compared to the spiritual benefits of godliness, but a healthy body is vital to successful living and longevity. Man is a tripartite being. The Bible teaches that man consists of the spirit, soul and body. God is interested in our good health – physically. He desires that we should be sound and complete – spirit, soul and body. This healing of the whole man starts in our spirit, it begins when God touches our spirit with His Holy Ghost. Romans 8:16 says:
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. God created the human body to be rugged. However, good food, regular exercise, and daily rest are vital for a healthy body.

A healthy body is required to carry out daily human endeavours. More so, divine assignments are usually tedious and demanding physically, emotionally and spiritually. Therefore, fitness and sound health are two factors that make God appoint people in their youth for special assignments. That is why strength and all-round fitness are common attributes of those that God used in the Bible.

Abraham was energetic and fit enough to produce children at over a hundred years of age Genesis 25:1-4. Moses trekked through the wilderness and climbed mountains at over eighty years of age Exodus 7:7. David displayed agility and strength in the fight against lions, bears, Goliath and various armies, even from his youth. Elijah exhibited speed and stamina, as he was aided by the Holy Spirit to outrun the chariot of King Ahab. The exploits of Joshua, Caleb, Samson, Deborah, Peter, Paul, Stephen, Phillip, John the Beloved and others, show clearly that they were physically fit.

Bodily exercise is required to keep the body fit and strong for the accomplishment of great and mighty things for God.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.