Our health is important to God, yet many of us often overlook this truth. We should prioritize taking care of ourselves for numerous reasons, but too often, we neglect this vital aspect of our lives.
The human body is sacred and deserving of respect and care. This means we should avoid actions that displease God and harm our bodies.
With that in mind, here are five compelling biblical reasons why we should treat our bodies better.
Reasons Why You Should Treat Your Body Better
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to neglect our physical health amidst the demands of daily life. However, taking care of our bodies is not just a modern-day concern; it’s deeply rooted in biblical teachings.
Here are five biblical reasons why you should treat your body better.
1. Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit
One of the most compelling reasons to care for your body comes from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “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.”
This passage emphasizes that our bodies are sacred dwellings for the Holy Spirit. Just as we would care for a temple with respect and reverence, we should treat our bodies with the same level of care and honor.
2. Stewardship of God’s Creation
In Genesis 1:26, God gives humans dominion over the earth and its creatures: “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'”
This concept of stewardship extends to our own bodies. As part of God’s creation, we are entrusted with the responsibility to care for ourselves. Proper nutrition, exercise, and rest are ways we can honor this stewardship.
3. Glorifying God Through Our Actions
Colossians 3:17 states: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Our actions, including how we treat our bodies, should be a reflection of our faith. By maintaining our health, we can better serve God and others, fulfilling our purpose with energy and vigor.
4. The Call to Self-Discipline
The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of self-discipline. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul writes: “No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Taking care of our bodies requires discipline, whether it’s in maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, or getting enough rest. This self-control is not just for physical benefit but also for spiritual growth and readiness to serve God’s purposes.
5. Respect for the Gift of Life
Psalm 139:13-14 beautifully articulates the wonder of our creation: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Recognizing the miracle of our existence compels us to treat our bodies with respect and gratitude. Each person is uniquely crafted by God, and by taking care of our physical health, we show appreciation for His handiwork.
Does God Truly Want Us to Be Healthy?
It’s a common question: Does God really want us to be healthy? The answer is nuanced. God may not call us all to perfect health, but He does call us to honor the bodies we’ve been given. Our bodies are gifts from God, and just as we wouldn’t mistreat a precious gift from a dear friend, we shouldn’t mistreat our own bodies.
The parable of the talents provides a valuable lesson in this regard. In the story, a master entrusts his property to several servants, giving each according to their abilities. The servants who received five and two talents respectively doubled their portions and were rewarded. However, the servant who received one talent buried it out of fear and dissatisfaction, ultimately losing even what little he had.
This parable illustrates a critical point: regardless of our circumstances, we are called to make the most of what we have. Some of us enjoy robust health, while others face significant health challenges. Yet, in both cases, we are called to steward our health well, making the best of the gift we have received.
God doesn’t demand perfection, but He does ask for our best effort. This means caring for our bodies through good nutrition, regular exercise, adequate rest, and mindful living. By doing so, we honor the gift of health God has entrusted to us and fulfill our calling to be faithful stewards of all His gifts.
In essence, God wants us to be healthy. Not necessarily in the sense of flawless physical condition, but in the sense of taking responsibility for and cherishing the bodies He has given us. So, let us steward the gift of health as unto the Lord, making the most of whatever level of health we are granted.
Conclusion
Treating your body better is not just about enhancing your physical well-being but also about honoring the spiritual principles laid out in the Bible. By viewing your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, embracing stewardship, glorifying God through your actions, practicing self-discipline, and respecting the gift of life, you align yourself with biblical teachings that promote a holistic and reverent approach to health. Let these reasons inspire you to make choices that reflect the care and respect your body deserves.
