Balancing Physical Fitness and Spiritual Well-Being: A Reflection on Priorities

By Tosin 'Badeniyi, PhD
- October 20, 2023

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I responded to my friend, Dr. Niran Ojomo, on LinkedIn by quoting this Scripture: “For physical exercise brings limited benefits, but godliness is beneficial in every way. It promises life for the present and the future.” Niran, a medical doctor and the founder of Forward Thinking Gen X Incorporation, emphasized that “TRAINING the body helps a little, But godly Living helps in every-way. Do You agree?”

Today, I revisited the Scripture where Paul compared the merits of godliness to exercise. He aimed to convey that the advantages of godliness far outweigh those of exercise. The benefits of godliness, which involve knowing God and Jesus, extend beyond this world into eternity.

While exercise has its benefits in this life – enhancing cardiovascular fitness, strengthening bones, reducing body fat, and increasing muscle power and endurance – it also lowers the risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.

“So, it’s valuable to maintain both physical and spiritual well-being. Society often emphasizes physical fitness, but spiritual health holds even greater importance. Our physical health may be vulnerable to illness and injury, but faith can support us through any adversity.”

Are you in shape physically and spiritually? Are you developing your spiritual muscles?

Tosin 'Badeniyi, PhD

Tosin ‘Badeniyi, a Professor at the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science at Durban University of Technology, South Africa, holds a doctoral degree in Food Science from University of Pretoria South Africa. Since 2001, he has conducted research and lectured internationally in the area of food quality and safety. He is the editor of Food Science and Technology: Trends and Future Prospects and has published numerous scientific publications as well as four inspirational books.