Cultivating a Healthy Lifestyle: Honoring God Through Physical Well-being
Yesterday, I mentioned how sickness has been making the rounds and how it hit our household. It’s never fun to be under the weather, and as I reflected on it, I was reminded of how much we rely on God when our bodies feel weak. But it also got me thinking what if we were more intentional about our health before sickness hit? What if we saw caring for our bodies as a way of honoring God, not just something we think about when we’re already feeling run down?
Being Honest About the Struggle
Let’s be real there are times when I’m more intentional about my health than others. I actually pay for a Planet Fitness membership (the photo might be old), and Rachel has told me more than once that I should just cancel it because I’m not using it. But as soon as I feel better, I’m going back! I also go through cycles of eating healthy. Now isn’t exactly one of them. In fact, I just texted the staff to see if anyone was opposed to me bringing in donuts this morning.
Last year, while we were remodeling and launching a new church, I totally fell off the healthy eating bandwagon. I’ve got to get back on board. I know I’m not alone in this we all have seasons where we’re disciplined and seasons where we struggle.
Stewarding Our Health as an Act of Worship
Scripture tells us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). That means our physical well-being isn’t just about feeling good it’s about honoring the One who created us. When we take care of our health, we’re not just benefiting ourselves; we’re equipping ourselves to serve others, fulfill our callings, and live with greater energy and clarity.
The Connection Between Physical and Spiritual Health
There’s a strong connection between our physical health and our spiritual walk. When we’re well-rested, eating nutritious foods, and staying active, we have more energy to devote to prayer, ministry, and the people around us. On the other hand, when we neglect our bodies, we often struggle with fatigue, stress, and even discouragement all of which can affect our faith journey.
Practical Ways to Care for Our Bodies
Here are some simple, practical ways we can be good stewards of our health:
Prioritize Rest As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, rest isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. God designed our bodies to need rest, and ignoring that need can take a toll on our overall well-being. Whether it’s getting enough sleep at night or taking a Sabbath rest, honoring God includes taking time to recharge.
Fuel Your Body Wisely The food we eat has a direct impact on our energy levels and overall health. While no one’s perfect, making an effort to nourish our bodies with wholesome, balanced meals helps us function better and stay strong.
Move with Purpose Exercise doesn’t have to mean spending hours at the gym. Taking a walk, stretching, or even doing daily tasks with more movement in mind can make a big difference in how we feel. And yes, I really do need to start using that gym membership!
Listen to Your Body Often, our bodies give us signs when something is off whether it’s exhaustion, persistent stress, or other health concerns. Paying attention to those signals and taking action early can help prevent bigger problems down the road.
Trust God in the Process While we do our part to care for our health, ultimately, our well-being is in God’s hands. Living with wisdom means both taking practical steps and trusting Him with what we can’t control.
Living a Life that Honors God in Every Way
Being intentional about our health isn’t about vanity or self-centeredness it’s about stewardship. When we take care of our bodies, we’re better equipped to live out our faith, love others well, and fulfill the purposes God has for us.
season where illness seems to be everywherelet’s not just react when we’re feeling unwell. Let’s be proactive in making choices that strengthen us for the journey ahead, trusting that as we do, God will bless our efforts and sustain us in every season.
