Temple Maintenance: Why Exercise Is an Act of Stewardship

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit... Therefore honor God with your bodies." — 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

When many people hear the words exercise or fitness, they immediately think about losing weight, looking younger, or fitting into a smaller clothing size. While those goals may have their place, I've discovered something much more meaningful over the years.

Exercise isn't just about changing the way we look.

It's about honoring the life God has given us.

I call this Temple Maintenance.

A Different Perspective

For over three decades, I've had the privilege of leading exercise classes for adults of all ages. Today, at 70 years old, I continue to teach because I believe movement is one of God's gifts to us.

I've watched people in their fifties, sixties, seventies, eighties, and even nineties discover that it's never too late to move again.

Some arrive full of confidence.

Others arrive carrying fear.

Many tell me the same thing:

"Paul, I thought my active days were behind me."

My answer is always filled with hope.

As long as you're breathing, God still has a purpose for your life. And if He still has a purpose for you, then caring for the body He has entrusted to you matters.

Your Body Is a Gift

Our bodies aren't accidents.

They aren't mistakes.

They aren't something to criticize every time we look in the mirror.

They are gifts from God.

Like any gift, they require care.

Just as we maintain our homes, change the oil in our cars, or water a beautiful garden, our bodies also need regular attention. Not because we're trying to earn God's love, but because we're grateful for it.

That's the heart of Temple Maintenance.

It isn't driven by guilt.

It's motivated by gratitude.

Exercise Is More Than Muscles

I've learned that movement affects far more than our muscles.

When we move our bodies, we often discover that our minds become clearer.

Our stress begins to fade.

Our confidence grows.

Our outlook changes.

Sometimes a simple walk around the neighborhood becomes a conversation with God.

A chair workout becomes an opportunity to celebrate what we can do instead of focusing on what we can't.

A few minutes of stretching becomes a reminder to slow down and breathe.

Movement has a way of refreshing not only the body but also the soul.

It's Never About Perfection

One of the greatest obstacles I see is perfectionism.

People think they need expensive equipment.

A gym membership.

The perfect workout clothes.

Or an hour every day.

None of those things are required to begin.

Some days your Temple Maintenance may be a 30-minute walk.

Some days it may be lifting light dumbbells.

Other days it may simply be getting out of a chair a few extra times because that's where your body is today.

God isn't asking for perfection.

He's inviting us to be faithful with what we've been given.

Small, consistent steps often lead to the greatest transformations.

My Own Journey

As I've grown older, my understanding of exercise has changed.

When I was younger, I enjoyed the challenge of pushing harder and seeing what my body could accomplish.

Today, I still love movement, but my motivation runs much deeper.

I'm grateful every morning that I can get up, move, encourage others, and continue doing what I believe God called me to do.

I'm also a prostate cancer survivor. That experience reminded me that life is precious and that every healthy day is a gift.

I don't exercise because I'm afraid of getting older.

I exercise because I'm thankful I'm still here.

Every workout becomes a quiet prayer of gratitude.

Every class is another opportunity to encourage someone who may have forgotten that hope is still alive.

Body, Soul, and Spirit

I've often said that true wellness isn't found by focusing on only one part of who we are.

God created us as body, soul, and spirit.

When one area is neglected, the others often feel the effects.

Caring for your body doesn't make you less spiritual.

It can actually support your ability to serve others, enjoy your family, pursue your calling, and remain active in the work God has prepared for you.

Temple Maintenance isn't about becoming younger.

It's about becoming a faithful steward.

Start Where You Are

Maybe you're reading this after years away from exercise.

Maybe you're recovering from an illness.

Maybe you use a chair or wheelchair.

Maybe you're simply wondering if it's too late.

Let me encourage you with this:

Start where you are.

Move with what you have.

Celebrate every victory, no matter how small.

One extra walk around the living room.

Five minutes of stretching.

A short chair exercise session.

A few gentle strength exercises.

Progress isn't measured by comparing yourself to someone else.

Progress is measured by taking one faithful step today.

A Final Encouragement

The older I become, the more I realize that Temple Maintenance isn't really about exercise.

It's about stewardship.

It's about gratitude.

It's about honoring the God who has carried us through every season of life.

Whether you're 50 or 95, your story isn't finished yet.

God can still strengthen you.

God can still use you.

God can still surprise you.

So tomorrow morning, before you begin your day, thank Him for another sunrise.

Then stand up, take a walk, stretch your arms, lift a light weight, or move in whatever way you're able.

Not because you have to.

But because every movement becomes another way of saying:

"Thank You, Lord, for the gift of this day."

This Week's Temple Maintenance Challenge

Choose one simple act of movement each day this week. It could be a walk, a chair workout, light strength training, or gentle stretching. The goal isn't intensity—it's consistency.

As you move, thank God for one specific blessing each day.

You may discover that while you're strengthening your body, God is also strengthening your heart.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31