Undaunted.Life: A Man's Podcast by Kyle Thompson DAVID MATHIS | A Little Theology of Exercise (Ep. 868)
Jan 20, 2026
David Mathis, Senior Teacher at DesiringGod.org and pastor at Cities Church, dives into the fascinating link between exercise and Christianity. He explores why many pastors struggle with fitness and how modern life promotes a sedentary lifestyle. Mathis discusses Christian hedonism as a joyful motivation for physical exertion and the spiritual benefits of staying active. He emphasizes the importance of being fit for good works, illustrating how physical readiness can shape one's ability to serve others in urgent situations.
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From Baseball To A Sedentary Desk Job
- David Mathis recounts gaining 40 pounds after moving to sedentary editorial work and realizing he needed morning exercise.
- His wife challenged him to start three mornings a week, which became life-changing and led to a decade of regular running and activity.
Modern Ease Undermines Human Activity
- Modern conveniences condition men toward passivity and minimal exertion, undermining normal human activity.
- Restoring modest bodily activity resists that conditioning and aligns life with Christian readiness for good works.
Pleasure Reoriented Toward God
- Christian hedonism reframes pleasure as God-directed joy and reward that motivates obedience and endurance.
- Seeking joy in Jesus daily powerfully motivates consistent exertion more than abstract longevity arguments.
