by Logan Lanier
I do not want to do this. Can’t I just skip today?
Would it really matter? Just missing one day isn’t that bad, right? It hurts, it takes too long, and I don’t have the motivation for this. I don’t have the time for this. These inner thoughts run through my mind at the same time each day: time to do my physical therapy exercises. The stretches are painful, there are so many to do, they take forever—and did I mention it hurts?
Why must I put myself through this pain every day? As I send this question up to heaven daily, my loving and gentle Heavenly Father reminds me of the truth that brings peace and patience to my soul through this healing process. He reminds me that the pain is for a purpose. He will strengthen and prepare me, cultivate humility in me, and lovingly assure me that He is doing this for my good and His glory. I can trust and follow Him through the process. The exercises are painful and time-consuming, and at times I get discouraged. Nevertheless, I rejoice because I have already seen progress, and my strength is slowly returning.
As Christians, we are called to “exercise ourselves unto godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7). As I prayed over this topic, God led me to reflect on the concept of conditioning. I thought about its purposes and benefits and how it applies to us spiritually. A quick search about conditioning revealed several analogies we can use to apply this scripture.
In the physical realm, conditioning is beneficial for preparing you for your sport, improving heart health and endurance, building strength, increasing stability, and teaching your muscles how to work properly. Similarly, exercising or conditioning ourselves unto godliness has comparable purposes and benefits.
When we exercise ourselves to godliness daily, we are conditioning ourselves to become more like Christ. We are strengthened to grow in spiritual maturity (Hebrews 5:14). Our heart health improves as it becomes tender toward the things God loves (Luke 6:45). We grow in stability as God reinforces our trust in Him, setting our feet on the rock of His truth and character (Matthew 7:24-25, Psalm 40:1-3). With consistent spiritual exercise, our endurance increases (Hebrews 12:1). The small weights or tasks that once seemed daunting become lighter and more manageable. Through spiritual exercise, our posture toward God is developed and refined (Colossians 3:2). Finally, we are prepared for the work He has for us (Proverbs 24:27).
Exercising, whether physically or spiritually, requires intentionality, wise choices, and sacrifice. For exercise to be effective, we must prepare and commit to a time to act. Treat it as an appointment or a daily priority. Being intentional spiritually may look like setting aside time during your day to meet with God, preparing your heart and mind to receive His instruction, or asking a spiritual brother or sister to hold you accountable or join you in the “workout.”
Conditioning also means selecting exercises that align with a goal. The exercises we choose determine what is strengthened in us. For example, if we choose to exercise humility, we grow in selfless love. On the other hand, if we choose to focus on control, we may cultivate mistrust and anxiety. To exercise ourselves unto godliness, we must choose practices that help us become more like Christ.
Lastly, conditioning requires sacrifice. In the physical sense, we give up time, comfort, and energy. Spiritually, we surrender these as well, often facing discomfort and aches in our spiritual “muscles.” On our own, we would never trade temporary comfort for long-term growth—it’s too painful. The Spirit must work within us, reminding us that surrendering our own ideas, goals, and plans is worth it to see what God is doing in and through us.
When I grow tired and weary from the effort it takes to complete these exercises each day, I find motivation and hope in remembering the goal. I want to regain full mobility and strength. I don’t want to be limited in the activities I can do for the rest of my life. Similarly, I want to experience the presence and fellowship of my Savior. If I must endure uncomfortable exercises to grow stronger, so be it. If it requires dying to my flesh, setting aside pride, complacency, and comfort to know Christ in a greater way, I will press on. I will exercise myself toward this goal.