Eyes on the Prize

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. – I Corinthians 6:19–20 NLT 

Each of us are coming into this week with a wide breadth of exercise experience. Some of you might already be in a steady habit of working out. Don’t worry, this week is still for you. Some of you might be starting this week feeling overwhelmed by just the thought of working out regularly. No matter where you are on the exercise spectrum, my hope is that this week will give you a new sense of purpose in caring for the body God has given you. 

My wellness journal, Healthy in the Hustle, is designed to help you build good habits and also to help you discover the way faith intersects with every area of our lives. 

Strengthening our bodies is a way to train ourselves to both work hard and endure difficulty. It’s a tangible sacrifice of what is comfortable and convenient for something that requires self-control. 

In the book of I Corinthians, Paul writes that athletes work hard to win a perishable crown but that Christians persevere in following Jesus to receive an imperishable crown. This week, as we dive into the habit of exercising, set your eyes on the imperishable crown—the prize that will last for eternity. 

Now get out your journal or find a piece of paper, and let’s reflect on a few questions together! 

First, get out your Bible and write down I Corinthians 9:27. Highlight or take note of anything that stands out to you! 

How and when do you exercise during a typical week? 

Did you have a chance to exercise today? What did you do, and for how long? 

How does viewing your body as a temple, God’s dwelling place, change the way you approach exercise? 

A “TIP” FROM CANDACE: Pay attention to how different exercises make you feel, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Maybe swimming makes you feel strong but running makes you feel discouraged. Listen to what your body tells you, and do the things you love! 

ACTIVITY: Brainstorm some new exercise options that you could try this week: 

For more in-depth content, devotions, activities, and reflection questions, get the full devotion, Healthy in the Hustle: An Inspirational Wellness Journalfrom Candace Cameron Bure.