Move, Pray, Repeat: The Theology of Exercise with David Mathis

Faith, Fitness, & the Habits of Grace – with David Mathias

Description: In this episode of the Young Adults Today podcast, host Josiah Kennealy welcomes pastor and author David Mathias for a thought-provoking conversation at the intersection of faith and fitness. Together, they unpack how spiritual disciplines and physical routines are intimately connected, offering wisdom for young adults who want to steward both body and soul in a vibrant Christian life.

Key Topics:

• CS Lewis’s “Donkey” Analogy: Loving and managing our physical bodies with grace and humor.
• The Historic & Biblical Case for Activity: Exploring movement in ancient times and what it means for Christians today.
• Theology of Exercise: Why our bodies and habits matter for faith, joy, and mission.
• Avoiding Legalism: How exercise should support rather than overshadow spiritual disciplines.
• Personal Routines: David and Josiah share their daily spiritual and physical habits (from Bible reading and prayer to jogging and family routines).
• Advice for Young Adults: Navigating transitions, staying healthy with busy schedules, and building new routines in changing seasons.
• Habits of Grace: How cultivating discipline in one area of life (like exercise or memorizing Scripture) can positively spill over into others.
• Encouragement for the Next Generation: David’s best advice for young adults, recent graduates, pastors, and parents.

Quotable Moments:

• “Exercise should be a supplement to—not a substitute for—spiritual practices.”
• “The outer person affects the inner person; caring for your body fuels your soul.”
• “Win the day by feeding your soul on God’s Word first.”

Action Steps:

• Assess your current pace and rhythm: Are you living at a sustainable, grace-filled speed?
• Add modest activity to your day—whether that’s a morning walk, a jog, or intervals on a home treadmill.
• Pair physical routines with spiritual disciplines to maximize both body and soul health.

Resources Mentioned:

• David Mathias’s latest book: “A Little Theology of Exercise”
• desiringGod.org – More of David’s writing and resources on Christian living and spiritual habits

Connect with Us:

• Follow Young Adults Today on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngadults.today/ 
• Check out past episodes and more on our website: www.youngadults.today 

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