After a long hiatus from running, I have finally gotten “on the road again.”

For me, being on the road again has nothing to do with singing. It has to do with running (which I used to do) and jogging (which I do now). I am thankful to be able to get outside and run. I’ve said through the years that running did as much for my mind as it does for my heart.

With that phrase, I meant my mental attitude. For some reason, a good, taxing workout helps me to problem solve, make better decisions, and have a better attitude about life. If that’s all exercise did for me, it would be a major contribution.

It does much more and for that reason I write about the value of exercise.

When I started running in my 20’s I did so for my heart. Almost everyone in the running craze of those days talked about the value of running or walking for the cardio-vascular system. I believed it then, and I believe it now.

I also find that exercising helps my stress level, and for me that is a major part of exercise. It probably is for everyone.

Pastors particularly need to exercise. When I was in my 50’s, I had five pastor friends who had strokes. I have no idea if those could have been prevented, but I know we all need to care for our minds and bodies as gifts from God to be used for His glory.

What those who study exercise have found is that whatever helps your heart also helps your mind. It only makes sense. That which helps blood flow to the heart also helps blood flow to the brain. It all works together.

So, what should we do?

First, we should see our bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and we should treat it accordingly. Our whole lives matter to God. That includes our bodies. We should do our best to care for them as the wonderful gift that they are.

Second, we should make exercise a priority in our daily activities. Park in the back of the parking lot, take the stairs, push back from the table, and eat as healthy as possible.

Third, we must recognize that the whole inner person (not just the organ that pumps blood) matters to God. It is out of the heart (the whole inner being) that comes good and evil. My mother used to remind me that we are what we eat and what we think.

Take care of your heart. It is the spring out of which everything about you flows (Proverbs 4:23).

Finally, do all that you do in the name of the Lord. This means that everything you do should give glory to God.

Let us give our whole selves to God. Love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37-39).