Health as an act of worship

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

For most of my life, I treated my body like it was invincible—pulling all-nighters, skipping meals (or replacing them with coffee), exercising only when guilt kicked in, and eating all the things without a care in the world. But then, reality hit. I was exhausted, sluggish, and struggling to stay focused, not just in my daily tasks but even in my spiritual life. The latest visit to my doctor confirmed that it was time to get serious about taking care of myself. It finally dawned on me: my body isn’t just a tool to get through the day—it’s a gift from God, and He expects me to take care of it. I finally began to see that maintaining and improving my health is an act of worship.

My Body: A Divine Investment

I love how 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 puts it: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”

That verse hit me hard. My body isn’t just mine to run into the ground—it belongs to God. And when I started seeing my health as a way to honor Him, my perspective shifted. Instead of exercising to “look good” or eating well just to “stay in shape,” I started doing these things as an act of worship, a way to steward the life He has given me.

Jesus also emphasized the importance of honoring God with all aspects of our being. In Mark 12:30, He commands: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”That includes taking care of my body, because when I neglect my health, I limit my ability to serve Him with all my strength.

The Holistic Health Approach: Body, Mind, and Spirit

Taking care of my body is about so much more than avoiding sickness; it’s about creating the best conditions to live fully. Here’s how I’ve seen a holistic approach impact my life:

1. Faith: A Clear Mind for a Stronger Connection

I used to struggle to stay awake during my morning devotionals. My mind wandered during prayer, and I felt disconnected. But once I started sleeping better, eating nourishing foods, and exercising, I noticed a change. My mind felt sharper, my prayers felt deeper, and I had more energy to serve. It turns out, when my body is thriving, my faith life thrives too. Romans 12:1 reminds me: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

2. Work: Energy to Fulfill My Calling

No matter what I do—whether working my 9-5 job, writing, discipling, or leading—energy is key. When I was constantly fatigued, I lacked motivation, and my work suffered. But when I prioritized my health, I began seeing improvements in focus, productivity, and creativity. Taking care of my body isn’t a distraction from my calling; it’s what helps me fulfill it with excellence. Colossians 3:23 encourages me: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” A strong, healthy body gives me the stamina to work wholeheartedly for God’s glory.

3. Relationships: More Love, Less Crankiness

I’ve noticed a direct connection between my health and my patience. When I’m running on fumes, I snap easily, get irritable, and don’t show up as my best self for my loved ones. But when I get enough rest, fuel my body well, and move regularly, I’m more present, more patient, and a whole lot easier to be around. My relationships—whether with family, friends, or coworkers—flourish when I take care of myself. Proverbs 17:22 reminds me: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” When I’m in good health, I’m more joyful and uplifting to those around me.

Practical Ways I Honor God with My Health

I’ve learned that honoring God with my body isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency and intention. Here are some simple, practical ways I try to care for my health daily:

Move Daily: I find joy in movement, whether it’s a morning walk, stretching, or an energizing workout. My body was made for movement.
Eat to Nourish: I remind myself that food is fuel, not just comfort. That doesn’t mean I never enjoy treats, but I aim for balance and nourishment.
Rest Well: If God Himself rested on the seventh day, I should probably take sleep more seriously too. Prioritizing rest makes me more effective in every area of life.
Stress Less: Prayer, journaling, and deep breathing have become essential tools in managing stress and keeping my spirit at peace. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages me to “not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Listen to My Body: If I’m exhausted, I don’t push through out of pride. I give myself permission to pause and recharge. Isaiah 40:31 reminds me: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Success Starts with Health

If I want to live with purpose, passion, and impact, I have to start with my health. Choosing to care for my body isn’t selfish—it’s an act of faith, a way of showing gratitude to the One who created me. So, I’m committing to treating my temple with the care it deserves. After all, a well-maintained temple is a place where God’s presence can shine the brightest.

Now, I’m off to drink some water, stretch a little, and thank God for this amazing, complex body He’s given me. Here’s to honoring Him with every step, every meal, and every breath!