“Exercising Faith”

We all know that exercise is healthy, and a contributing factor in weight loss. But, according to researchers at Harvard University, regular exercise brings other benefits, as well: “Exercise seems to encourage a healthy diet. In fact, when exercise is added to a weight-loss diet, treatment of obesity is more successful, and the diet is adhered to in the long run.”

The report went on to say that exercise helps curb unhealthy responses to food stimuli, and increase one’s own impulse control ability. The researchers say that, “regular exercise improves output in tests that measure the state of the brain’s executive functions and increases the amount of grey matter and prefrontal connections.”

“Inhibitory control is one of the executive functions of the brain and is basically the ability to suppress inadequate and nonconforming answers to an aim (the opposite of this would be impulsiveness), which makes modification or self-regulations of a behavior possible.”

That’s a fancy way of saying this: exercise helps us exercise control. We see here that not only does exercise help lead to a healthier body, but a healthier lifestyle, and healthier choices. We all know what to do to lose weight: eat less, and exercise more. But this study finds that not only do the two complement one another, they actually bolster and support one another as well; good catalyzes good, while at the same time it displaces the bad. This principle has always been true for spiritual exercise as well, and it’s something we as Christians have known for a long, long time.

And just how does one “exercise” spiritually?

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.”

Hebrews 12:1-2
” Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The more we exercise our spiritual muscles by studying scripture, praying, attending worship regularly and faithfully, engaging in fellowship, extending hospitality, showing love and offering service, the less time and INTEREST we will have in consuming the unhealthy, sinful pursuits of this world.

Sometimes “science” is a slow-learner, and “history” is a hated teacher. But God’s Word continues to transcend both; and it’s always a welcome sight to see Biblical principle being confirmed and applied in today’s world, even in the most unlikely places like the hallowed halls of Harvard University.

— Paul Seely, January 22, 2012

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