Soul Care: 7 Days of Life-Giving PracticesExemplo

Day 4: Movement

When we hear the phrase “walking with Jesus,” we automatically think about living for God. But the disciples were both literally and figuratively walking with Jesus during His time with them. So much of Scripture portrays Jesus and the 12 walking from one town to the next and back—and most biblical experts agree that Jesus likely walked 20 miles each day, which comes out to about 44,222 steps per day!

Here’s why this matters: Movement is one of the ways we honor our bodies. It’s one way we keep them healthy, strong, and resilient. And because most of us don’t naturally walk long distances today, we have to intentionally integrate a rhythm of healthy movement in order to keep our bodies functioning at their best.

When I look at the life of Jesus, I don’t see someone who neglected the care of His body; I see someone who honored His body. As my friend, pastor and author Gary Thomas says, “Body care is an aspect of Christian discipleship and worship.”[i] 2 Corinthians 7:1 puts it like this in the Message translation: “With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God.”

Our entire lives should be fit and holy temples for the worship of God! What if we started applying this verse to the way we care for our bodies? I recognize that for many of us, this isn’t an easy ask. We’re mentally and emotionally strained. Our jobs are demanding, our kids are demanding, and our relationships are demanding. But ultimately, I truly believe it’s all connected—the mind, body, and spirit. When we care for one, we also impact the others.

When I think of caring for and nourishing my body through movement, I think of the verse that says, “For in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). In Him we move. Every step I take, I can take for Him. Every movement my body makes, I can make it for Him. Every time I walk, or swim, or hike, or play pickleball…I’m doing it for Him. I’m moving as an act of worship to the God who made my body and knows just what it needs to thrive.

Consider how you can incorporate this perspective in your rhythm of movement each day. Since walking is something you can fit into any amount of time you have, maybe take a daily prayer walk for 5, 15, or 30 minutes. Walk around your neighborhood, praying for those God brings to your mind. Or maybe consider going for a jog, hike, run, or swim with some worship music in your ears, lifting your heart up as you lift up your body in movement. Go for a bike ride and tune in to a favorite sermon, or an audiobook or podcast to encourage your spirit. Pair your physical disciplines of movement with your spiritual growth, and watch how it increases your motivation.

One of the most basic yet practical ways we can care for our souls is by caring for the bodies God has given us. It starts with a heart of gratitude for the body and a desire to honor God by honoring His temple. We prepare ourselves for the calling God has given us by nourishing our bodies well in what we eat and drink and in how we move. This is the beginning of soul care. So let’s start walking with Jesus. Literally.

[i] Gary Thomas, “Learn Why Your Body & Health Matters,” Saddleback Church, YouTube video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4DziQTEmfw.