The Bible encourages us to take care of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. Staying active is part of honoring God with our health. Today, we’ll reflect on what Scripture says about the importance of movement, work, and stewardship of our physical well-being.
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What Does The Bible Say About Active Lifestyle
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
This passage highlights the importance of an active lifestyle in our spiritual journey. Just as athletes train and compete with discipline and purpose, we are called to live our lives with intentionality, constantly striving to grow closer to God. It involves self-discipline and a willingness to make sacrifices in order to maintain a strong spiritual life. By purposefully engaging in spiritual disciplines and making our bodies subject to our will, we can ensure that our own faith remains steadfast and that we continue to be effective witnesses for Christ.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Living an active lifestyle means letting our faith shine through our actions. Our good deeds and acts of kindness should be visible to others, not to boast or seek praise, but to point people to God and bring glory to Him. When we actively demonstrate the love, grace, and mercy of God in our interactions with others, we become a living testimony of His transforming power. Our active lifestyle should serve as an invitation for others to seek and glorify our Father in heaven.
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
An active lifestyle involves putting our faith into practice. It is not enough to simply hear or read God’s Word; we must actively apply it to our lives. When we put God’s teachings into action, we align ourselves with His will and experience the transformative power of His Word. Our actions should reflect our faith and serve as a testimony to the truth and relevance of Scripture. By living out the Word, we become living examples of God’s love and grace to those around us.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Living an active lifestyle means recognizing that everything we do should be done for the glory of God. Our actions, words, and thoughts should align with the teachings of Christ and reflect His character. By living with this mindset, we become intentional in our choices, seeking to honor God in all aspects of our lives. It is through this active surrender and daily submission to Christ that we are able to experience His presence and influence in everything we do.
1 Timothy 4:8
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
An active lifestyle encompasses more than just physical exercise; it involves nurturing a godly character. While physical training has its benefits, the pursuit of godliness holds eternal value. By actively pursuing a close relationship with God, we open ourselves up to His transformative work in our lives. Through prayer, studying His Word, and engaging in spiritual disciplines, we grow in our faith and become more like Christ. An active lifestyle prioritizes the pursuit of godliness and recognizes its significance in both our present lives and our eternal destiny.
Romans 12:11
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
Living an active lifestyle involves maintaining a fervent and passionate spirit in our service to the Lord. We are called to serve God wholeheartedly and with enthusiasm, allowing His love and grace to motivate our actions. When our hearts are filled with zeal for the Lord, we become energized and empowered to make a difference in the world around us. An active Christian life involves actively seeking opportunities to serve, using our gifts and talents to bring glory to God, and continually pursuing ways to grow in our relationship with Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
An active lifestyle necessitates placing our trust and dependence on God. We are encouraged to surrender our own understanding and seek God’s guidance in all aspects of our lives. When we actively submit to His will, He promises to direct our paths and make them straight. By relinquishing control and entrusting our lives to God’s care, we open ourselves up to His leading and can experience the peace, joy, and fulfillment that comes from faithfully following Him.
Philippians 3:14
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
An active lifestyle involves pressing on towards the ultimate goal of knowing Christ and living in accordance with His calling. We are called to persevere in our faith journey, continually growing in our relationship with Him and striving to become more like Him. This requires intentionality and determination, as we face challenges and obstacles along the way. By keeping our eyes on the prize and seeking first the kingdom of God, we can live with a sense of purpose and joy as we actively pursue our heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
An active lifestyle is underpinned by strength, courage, and a deep trust in God’s presence and faithfulness. We are called to step out in faith, not allowing fear or discouragement to hold us back. With God by our side, we can face any challenge and overcome any obstacle that comes our way. This assurance of His constant presence empowers us to live with boldness and confidence, knowing that we are not alone. Our active lifestyle is fueled by the knowledge that God is with us, guiding, protecting, and equipping us every step of the way.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
An active lifestyle includes the command to go and make disciples, actively sharing the good news of salvation and discipling others in the teachings of Christ. We are called to be proactive in sharing the message of hope and salvation with people from all nations. It involves intentionally investing in the lives of others, helping them grow and mature in their faith. As we actively engage in discipleship, we can take comfort in the promise that Jesus is with us always, providing guidance and support as we fulfill His great commission.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
An active lifestyle requires perseverance and a steadfast commitment to doing good. We are called to continue pressing forward in acts of love, kindness, and service, even when faced with challenges or discouragement. The harvest of blessings and rewards awaits those who do not give up but remain faithful in their pursuit of righteousness. By maintaining a spirit of perseverance and resilience, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from actively living out our faith and making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
An active lifestyle involves actively engaging in community and uplifting fellow believers. We are called to encourage and support one another, spurring each other on towards love and good deeds. Regular fellowship and gathering together with other believers is essential to our spiritual growth and accountability. It is through these connections that we can inspire and be inspired, finding strength and motivation to continue living out our faith. As the Day of Christ’s return draws nearer, the importance of active community and mutual encouragement becomes even more vital in our walk with God.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”
An active lifestyle requires surrendering our plans and submitting our work to the Lord. By committing our endeavors and goals to God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and seek His guidance. When we align our actions with His will and purpose, He promises to establish our plans, bringing them to fruition. An active lifestyle involves seeking God’s direction in our daily activities, trusting that He will guide and bless our efforts as we live out our faith and fulfill the callings He has placed upon our lives.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
An active lifestyle recognizes that we are God’s masterpiece, uniquely created to do good works that He planned for us in advance. We are not meant to live passively, but rather to actively engage in the purpose God has ordained for our lives. By seeking His guidance and stepping out in faith, we can discover and fulfill the specific assignments and opportunities He has prepared for us. When we embrace our identity as God’s handiwork and actively pursue the good works He has destined for us, we can experience a life of purpose, fulfillment, and impact.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
An active lifestyle involves maintaining a posture of rejoicing, prayer, and gratitude in all circumstances. We are called to rejoice always, finding joy in the Lord despite the ups and downs of life. Prayer becomes a constant dialogue with God, keeping us connected to Him and seeking His guidance in every situation. Gratitude permeates our lives as we give thanks for God’s goodness and provision. This active engagement with rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving aligns us with God’s will, cultivating a heart that remains open and receptive to His leading.
Psalm 37:3-4
“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
An active lifestyle involves trusting in the Lord and actively pursuing goodness. We are called to dwell in His presence, finding safety and rest in Him. By delighting in the Lord and aligning our desires with His, we position ourselves to receive the abundant blessings and fulfillment He provides. When we actively trust, do good, and find our satisfaction in God, we can experience the desires of our hearts being fulfilled according to His perfect plan. An active lifestyle embraces the joy of living in His presence and walking in His ways.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
An active lifestyle entails offering ourselves as living sacrifices, wholly dedicated to God and His service. We are called to surrender our lives, including our bodies, talents, and resources as an act of worship. This act of surrender is a response to God’s abundant mercy and grace towards us. By actively presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, we embody true and authentic worship. It is through this active surrender and commitment that we can experience the fullness of God’s presence and actively participate in His transformative work in the world.
Mark 12:30
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
An active lifestyle involves wholeheartedly loving and dedicating ourselves to God. We are called to love Him with every aspect of our being: our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This all-encompassing love is a response to His unending love for us. By actively cultivating a deep love for God and seeking to align every area of our lives with His will, we can experience the fullness of intimacy and relationship with Him. An active lifestyle requires a wholehearted commitment to loving and serving God above all else.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
An active lifestyle entails actively seeking guidance and direction from God’s Word. The Bible serves as a lamp to illuminate our path and a light to guide our steps. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we gain wisdom, discernment, and clarity in navigating life’s challenges. The active engagement with God’s Word enables us to make decisions and live in a manner that aligns with His truth. It is through the active study, meditation, and application of Scripture that we can experience the transformative power of God’s Word in our lives.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
An active lifestyle recognizes the transformative power of being in Christ. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are made new; the old sinful nature is replaced by a new, redeemed nature. By actively walking in this newness of life, we continually align ourselves with the truth of our identity in Christ. An active lifestyle focuses on living in the freedom and victory that comes from being a new creation, exhibiting the characteristics and values of the Kingdom of God in all that we say and do.
Psalm 34:8
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
An active lifestyle involves personally experiencing and encountering the goodness of the Lord. We are invited to taste and see for ourselves the faithfulness and goodness of God. By actively seeking His presence, taking refuge in Him, and relying on Him, we can witness His provision, protection, and unfailing love. This personal encounter with God’s goodness not only strengthens our faith but also encourages us to actively share with others the joy and hope found in a relationship with Him.
Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
An active lifestyle involves intentionally storing God’s Word in our hearts to guard against sin. By actively memorizing, meditating on, and internalizing Scripture, we equip ourselves to resist temptation and make choices that align with God’s will. The Word of God becomes a powerful weapon in our spiritual arsenal, guiding our thoughts, words, and actions. Through this active engagement with God’s Word, we not only deepen our relationship with Him but also proactively guard our hearts against sinful desires and influences.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
An active lifestyle involves actively cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. By surrendering to the Holy Spirit and allowing His transformative work within us, we can actively display the characteristics of a Christlike character. This fruit – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – becomes evident in our attitudes, actions, and interactions with others. An active lifestyle seeks to live out these qualities, recognizing that they are not only pleasing to God but also serve as a powerful testimony of His work in our lives.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
An active lifestyle involves finding stillness and rest in God’s presence. Amidst the demands and busyness of life, we are called to intentionally carve out moments of silence and solitude to commune with God. By actively practicing this discipline of stillness, we can experience a deepening intimacy with Him and hear His voice more clearly. It is in these still moments that we can truly know and encounter God, allowing Him to be exalted in our lives and reveal His glory to the world.