Honoring God by Maintaining Our Physical Health

In our busy lives, we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities, from work and family to social engagements and personal aspirations. Amidst all this, one aspect that sometimes gets overlooked is our physical health. However, the Bible provides profound insights into the importance of maintaining our bodies as part of our spiritual journey.

This summer, I have been participating in a 100-Day Challenge. There are 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and I have committed to walking five miles each day, except Sundays, which is my rest day.

​Since starting, my blood pressure has dropped, and I've lost more than a few pounds, which I totally wasn't expecting. My morning routine now includes a cup of coffee and Bible reading, followed by what I call my "Worship Walk." I even have a Worship Walk playlist on Spotify!

I've also challenged myself to take one photo each day of something beautiful or interesting. This helps me stay focused and aware of my surroundings. I hope this post inspires you to create your own healthy routines and honor God by maintaining your physical health. Let's see what Scripture says about keeping our bodies healthy and how we can honor God through our physical well-being.

Our Bodies as Temples

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, presents a powerful metaphor that elevates the significance of our physical bodies: "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" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This verse reminds us that our bodies are not merely vessels for our souls but sacred temples where the Holy Spirit resides. Treating our bodies with care is a way of honoring God, acknowledging the divine presence within us.

Balanced Living​

Maintaining health isn't just about avoiding sickness; it's about living a balanced life that glorifies God. Paul offers practical advice on this: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). This encourages us to make mindful choices in our daily lives. Eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, and avoiding harmful substances are all ways to honor God through our physical well-being.

Avoiding Overindulgence

Proverbs provides wisdom on the consequences of overindulgence: "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags" (Proverbs 23:20-21). This passage warns against the dangers of excessive eating and drinking, which can lead to poor health and other negative outcomes. Practicing moderation is key to maintaining a healthy body and a disciplined life.

The Importance of Rest

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, rest is often undervalued. Yet, the Bible emphasizes the need for regular rest: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work..." (Exodus 20:8-10). Observing a day of rest is crucial for our physical, mental, and spiritual health. It allows us to recharge and worship God corporately, ensuring that we are not just physically rested but also spiritually rejuvenated.

Valuing Physical Exercise

While spiritual growth is of utmost importance, the Bible also acknowledges the value of physical exercise: "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (1 Timothy 4:8). Engaging in regular physical activity helps keep our bodies strong and healthy, enabling us to serve God more effectively. It also highlights the balance between physical and spiritual well-being.

Seeking Healing and Wholeness

The Bible encourages us to seek God's intervention in matters of health: "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up" (James 5:14-15). Prayer and faith play a significant role in our physical health. Seeking God's healing and trusting in His care can bring comfort and recovery.

The Bible's teachings on health go beyond mere physical well-being. They are intertwined with our spiritual journey, reminding us that taking care of our bodies is a way to honor God. By viewing our bodies as temples, living a balanced life, practicing moderation, valuing rest and exercise, and seeking God's healing, we can maintain our health in a way that glorifies God.

May we all strive to keep our bodies healthy, recognizing that in doing so, we honor the Creator who has lovingly crafted each of us. Let us embrace the knowledge that God's love and protection are always over us, inspiring us to live lives filled with joy, health, and purpose.

​What insights have you gained from this post about the importance of maintaining your physical health as a way of honoring God?

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8 Things That Helped Me Achieve My Health Goals

This is still my favorite purchase of the summer!! If you’re a runner or walker, especially if you’re a woman and you want to hear your music but for safety you need to hear what’s going on around you as well, check these out. I LOVE my SHOKZ OpenRun!! It literally sounds like the music is playing inside my head.​

I got the mini. They are open-ear (so nothing in your ear), bone conduction sport headphones. They’re wireless, bluetooth, come with a built-in mic, and sweat resistant—great for this Georgia humidity. Perfect for workouts, running, walking, etc.  ​

I don’t leave home without my NATHAN Running Belt Waist Pack with Reflective Detail, Zippers and Adjustable Pouch Strap - Bounce Free, Ultra-Lightweight Neoprene - Fits all Phones (iPhone, Android, Windows) - For Men and Women - Running, Biking, Hiking, CrossFit, Workout. 

Recovery sandals are the bomb! I don’t know how I lived so many years without them! These CUSHIONAIRE Women's Feather Cloud Recovery Sandals with +Comfortare are great, especially if you’re an overachiever like me. You’ll love them and they’re 1/2 the price here compared to the local sporting goods store!​

These Oalka Women's High Waist Joggers/Yoga Pants with pockets are my absolute favorites! I have them in black and white as well. They come out of the dryer looking brand new, they won’t fade, they’re great for traveling as well and they are so super comfy! 

​I love the Oalka Women's High Waisted Yoga Shorts with pockets too!​

If you need to carry a water bottle, but you don’t really want to carry a water bottle, this strap is a game changer!! (2 pack) Water Bottle Carrier with grip and soft band holder strap makes any bottle handheld. Great for running, biking, the gym, walking, or jogging. 

I have three pairs of these that I have worn for over a decade. I ran marathons with them and countless other races. They are a little thin now, but still no holes, so I bought a few new pairs, and they are so cushy! Thorlos Maximum Cushion Ankle Running Socks are the best!

If you suffer with plantar fasciitis, as I do, these insoles are life-changing! I’ve been to the top podiatrist in the Atlanta area who is also the podiatrist for the Braves, Falcons and the Hawks. He put me in a pair of insole that cost twice as much and didn’t work any better than these. Grab these Plantar Fasciitis Strong Support Insoles Inserts for Men or Women here. 

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