The Case for Physical Fitness Enhancing Godly Leadership
Let me be clear, I do not believe physical fitness is a requirement for godly leadership.
Some of the best spiritual mentors who made the most impact on my life paid little attention to their fitness. Jesus was the godliest leader the world had ever seen and there is no mention in Scripture of how much He could bench or how fast He could run a 40-yard dash.
I also do not believe physical fitness necessarily results in godly leadership. There are leaders who invest a lot of time and energy into their fitness who lead in uninspiring, disengaged, and unethical ways.
The Apostle Paul did say, however, that “…physical training is of some value” (1 Timothy 4:8) and I believe one way this “value” translates is in its ability to enhance and strengthen the potential for a more engaged leadership marked by greater clarity.
Here are 3 ways I believe this happens:
Physical Fitness Boosts Your Overall Capacity
There is undeniable data on the positive effects of regular exercising:
This is good news because spiritual leadership (which is an awesome privilege) takes a mental, emotional, and spiritual toll due to the involved nature of leadership. But a depleted leader is less likely to make sound decisions. An exhausted leader cannot give the best for the people he or she leads. Physical fitness therefore, while not the silver bullet answer, is a relevant variable for increasing ones’s mental, physical, and emotional capacities.
2. Physical Fitness Decreases Stress Levels
Data shows that physical activity reduces stress-related impairments enabling a leader to show up with more consistency and greater composure.
I was talking to an individual once who leads at a high level at his church who shared with me that the only thing that mitigates his stress was exercise. Another leader once shared with me that he views exercising as a form of medicine.
Experientially, I agree with both of them. Exercising even a few times a week resets me and quiets the noise in my mind in a way that nothing else does.
3. Physical Fitness Boosts Your Perception as a Leader
This one may be slightly controversial but it is true. Studies from the Center for Creative Leadership show that physically fit leaders are rated more highly by their teams.
A friend who serves as a leader at his church articulated the principle in this way: “If a leader is physically fit, I am more inclined to follow that person because I can see that person is stewarding oneself.”
This makes sense, a fit leader is perceived as being disciplined. And if it’s true that “how someone stewards one area of life is how they steward all areas” credibility will be borrowed faster. The Apostle Paul said “I discipline my body and keep it under control…” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) and therefore his associates wouldn’t have had a hard time believing he had other realms of his life under control.
Conclusion
Again, physical fitness doesn’t make someone a godly leader, but it can help them lead with greater energy, clarity, and presence.
If you’re a leader and wanting to take a first step, I don’t recommend setting a massive, schedule-altering goal, but start simple: Go on 15-20 minute walks three times a week and build up from there. If you have a child, integrate yourself into his or her physical activities or vice versa. For example, I love playing a game or two of basketball with my oldest son.
The beautiful burden of leadership is a privileged gift to be stewarded. It draws on every part of who we are so let’s do our part in every way to maximize our capacity and lead well for the glory of God.
