A Little Theology of Exercise

Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul

By: David Mathis

Narrated by: David Mathis

A Pastor Looks at Physical Exercise and Its Potential to Serve Spiritual Life and Joy

We live in an age dominated by screens. For many, life is sedentary, and it's become increasingly difficult to prioritize physical activity. Quietly conformed to this new normal, they feel sluggish and unmotivated. Others, however, have become entangled in a fitness culture that prioritizes the self, fuels pride, and coddles idolatry. Is it possible to make exercise holy?

A Little Theology of Exercise explores how stewarding our bodies can serve the soul, honor God, and bless others. Combining biblical texts with practical guidance, pastor and author David Mathis encourages listeners to embrace modest exercise as a way to deepen their knowledge and enjoyment of Christ and then reflect his love in the world. By placing Christ at the center of physical training, listeners will discover a greater joy in exercise and an even deeper joy in their relationship with God.

• Christ Centered: Demonstrates how effective body stewardship serves the soul, fostering the ability to know and enjoy Christ better
• Balanced: Helps listeners embrace new healthy habits while navigating the challenges of sub-Christian motivations
• Timely: In our sedentary age, this resource spurs physical movement and aims to enrich spiritual joy
• Written by David Mathis: Bestselling author of Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines

©2025 David Mathis (P)2025 Crossway

Listen while your exercise!

This is an excellent call for essential, balanced fitness in Christ, with Christ and for Christ!

Really good.

Helpful without being overbearing… biblically sound without over-spiritualizing exercise. I do recommend!! I already run and walk, but it was encouraging to me.

Use your body to Glorify God and you will feel a delight to exercise it.

It's a worthy read on the importance to use our bodies to glorify God. It's an enjoyable read or listen (read by author) on Audible. I listened while working and ready to relisten again.

Helpful and easy to digest.

I think David did a good job of bringing emphasis to the importance of taking care of our bodies through moderate exercise. Really helpful read.

It's too soon to call it life changing

But it definitely changed my week.

For context, I've always loved the idea of exercise and of being a productive person. I've just also struggled my whole life with chronic laziness. Most good intentions die when I realize how much effort it will take to get off the couch. Most important tasks are pushed off until later. There have been times when I've even wondered how people can just do the things they want to do, when it's such a struggle for me.

Over the last week, this book has challenged and changed how I view activity in general. It's changed how I consider the rewards and how I approach a challenge that requires a burst of energy. It's too soon to say it has changed my life, but over this last week I've been combating my usual laziness—and winning. It's not a fight I can say is finished, but I'm taking steps in the right direction.

To be fair, there's not a lot of "breaking new ground" in the book if you're someone who has explored the relationship between faith and health on your own. But it takes the things we know to be true (exercise feels good, we should do hard things, we should glorify God with our bodies, etc.) and adds richness and clarity that brings the discussion to a deeper place.