Physical Spirituality
I work at a Christian Bookshop in Sydney, Australia. I have worked there for 15 years on and off between pregnancies and one job change. The rows of bookshelves, familiar titles, book covers, and favourite authors are my comfort and joy, and although retail work is repetitive and physically demanding, I still get a sense of satisfaction at a job well done.
There is a quiet peace in knowing your job. When I think of physical spirituality, l believe it’s giving honour to God through physical acts of spirituality. Which can be both what we deem “spiritual” physical acts, such as praying and worshipping, and what we see as “secular” physical acts, such as exercise, eating healthy and not eating sugar.
I believe that all things have a spiritual connotation. Although, I have improved in my physical aspects of life for my human body. I am 42 and finally joined a gym last year. My husband and I are being mindful of what we eat because we both want good health and longevity. We both have a long way to go, but we have started.
These are good things in our lives especially if the end result is to honour God with our lives. To be of good health and watch our children grow up. Our goal isn’t acceptance in a culture that values the outward appearance, and it is not for accolades and compliments on social media.
The Bible says:
“Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future.” (1 Timothy 4:8)
And I see physical spiritually as the practice of contemplating God throughout my day. No matter what my body is directly engaged in.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24)
One of my most favourite authors is Brother Lawrence and he says:
“The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the presence of God. That means finding constant pleasure in His divine company, speaking humbly and lovingly with him in all seasons, at every moment, without limiting the conversation in any way.”
When I kneel, stand, sit, or walk and pray. I am physically taking “dominion” over my body and contorting it to Gods way. I am placing my trust, hope, and intimacy into a conversation with God. In all things that my hands and feet find to do. When I raise my hands in worship and close my eyes to focus on God, I am again demanding my body, mind and soul give him glory, praise and thanksgiving above what is circumstantial. When I lower my ego and serve another, bending and caring for another’s needs, I am demonstrating my love of Jesus; requiring my body to be used by him for his glory, not my own. Even simple tasks, cleaning a house, making a bed, getting groceries can be turned into physical spiritually of thanksgiving and worship.
So, if you’re lifting weights or running a marathon, do it with thanks and for his glory. These are good things to do, if they are done with the right heart. In all our capacity and in all things our sacrifice is obedience and thanksgiving.
Again, Brother Lawrence says it perfectly:
“It is not the greatness of the work which matters to God but the love with which it is done.”
My hope is that you become so intimate and close to God. In all aspects of your life. That you find ways to honour God in all things physically. Whether it be healthy eating or kneeling to pray. That our lives are fluent in worshipping in all our activities. As I pack shelves at my book shop, serve customers, place books in alphabetical order. As I stack the dishwasher and wash my children’s clothes. As I attend a gym class and go for a walk.
My hope is to find communion and moments of peace and joy in God’s presence. That is the best health anybody could ask for.