Sneak Peak #2 - From The 4 Disciplines Of "Faithful Fitness"

The 4 Disciplines

In “Faithful Fitness,” we recognize four disciplines that are both biblical and productive in making the most of the body we’ve been given: integrity, grit, growth, and awe. Together, these disciplines form the spiritual and physical scaffolding of your transformation. Each of these disciplines is rooted in the Bible and can be recognized in the daily stewardship of our bodies. Without the practice of each of these disciplines, even the method that I have been using for decades to help my coaching clients achieve amazing results, the “1 percent better daily” method, quickly becomes another vain exercise and nutrition fad.

Over the next forty days you will discover the biblical background for each of these disciplines as well as practical ways that you can put these disciplines to work in your life.

Here is a brief overview of these disciplines.

Integrity

Integrity has become a buzzword for many. Most agree it’s a good thing to exhibit or character trait to have, but if you ask them what it means, you’ll get answers like “Integrity is when you conduct yourself honestly in all situations” or “Integrity is when you act the same way no matter where you are or who is watching.”

While these sound like great characteristics, integrity is much more fundamental than that. The root word of integrity is the word “integer,” which means “the whole” or “fundamental irreducible and inseparable part.”

Spiritually, integrity stems from the Christian precept of being blameless before God[1]—“built on the rock”[2]—or having the firm foundation that holds up regardless of the conditions.

As we will explore in the ten days devoted to integrity, Jesus said that this integrity comes from being wholly aligned in your daily mission—“serving only one master.”[3]

Physically, the discipline of integrity coincides with the “Foundations” phase of training. In this phase we learn how to eat adequate and intelligent nutrition on a regular basis and execute consistent, appropriate exercise at a fundamental level in a way that is appropriate for our bodies.

When the discipline of integrity is optimally aligned physically and spiritually, we don’t eat well and exercise consistently by our own force of will all of the time. We do so out of our commitment to steward our bodies well and caring for it to become a vessel that serves the higher calling on our lives.

In the devotional practice of integrity, you will use Noah’s forty-day trial of rain in the ark as a backdrop to address your fundamental beliefs about your body, your daily nutrition practices, and inspire you to become consistent with in your weekly exercise habits.

Practicing the discipline of integrity will make you ready to take on the next discipline: grit!

Grit

If integrity is the foundation, then grit is the frame. It’s the structure that holds fast under pressure, the toughness that keeps us moving forward when things get hard. Grit isn’t about being the strongest or the fastest; it’s about refusing to give up, no matter the odds.

You can’t spell integrity without grit!

In modern culture, grit is often defined as “perseverance and passion for long-term goals.” And while that’s true, biblically speaking, grit goes even deeper. It’s about endurance—hupomonē in Greek—which means a steadfast, patient resistance in the face of trials. Jesus didn’t promise us ease, but He did promise that those who endure to the end will be saved.[4]Grit then is a spiritual posture—a choice to hold the line and keep walking in obedience even when the road gets steep.

Physically, the discipline of grit aligns with the “endurance” phase of training. In this phase, the workouts become more demanding, nutrition requires greater planning and intentionality, and recovery becomes crucial. This is where the novelty wears off and you must choose—daily—to stay the course. It’s not flashy. It’s not exciting. But it’s essential.

You don’t grind through this phase by sheer willpower. You endure because you’re being trained to steward the temple of your body with diligence, not emotion. This is where many fall off—because it’s difficult, because the changes feel slow, or because life gets in the way. But if you’ve built your foundation on integrity, you have the structure to keep going.

In the devotional practice of grit, we’ll face God with Moses in his forty days on Mount Sinai after leading Israel out of Egypt—not just a test of patience but a season of refinement. Grit will challenge your excuses, expose your limits, and invite you to press on—because the Promised Land is ahead.

Practicing the discipline of grit will prepare you to step into the next discipline: growth.

Growth

If integrity is the foundation and grit is the frame, then growthis the fruit. It’s the evidence of your obedience. The outward sign of an inward transformation. Growth doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of intentionality, consistency, and surrender to a process greater than yourself.

In the world’s eyes, growth is often measured in numbers—pounds lost, muscles gained, speed increased, or achievements earned. But spiritual growth isn’t just about more; it’s about maturity.Scripture describes growth as bearing the fruit of the Spirit,[5]being rooted in Christ, and being built up in Him.[6]It’s not just progress; it’s becoming.

And here’s the hard truth: You can’t grow without being stretched. Growth is uncomfortable. It calls for pruning. It often looks like failure before it reveals fruit. It’s in this season that God refines our motives, reveals hidden weaknesses, and multiplies our strength—not for our glory but for His.

Physically, the discipline of growth aligns with the hypertrophy/strength phase of training. At this point, your body begins to respond to the consistent stress you’ve applied. Muscles grow. Endurance expands. Habits solidify. But if you stop now, progress will stall. This is the stage where many grow complacent—because they’ve come far enough. But the call of growth is to press on—not just for what you gain but for who you’re becoming.

In this devotional practice, we’ll walk with David as he puts an end to Goliath’s forty days of taunting. Will you conquer the giants in your life—or remain a slave to fear, comfort, or compromise? Growth will challenge your habits, call forth your courage, and strengthen your resolve as you align your desires with God’s will. Then step into the next phase of your transformation with maturity and humility.

Practicing the discipline of growth prepares you to walk in the next discipline: awe.