Your Body is a Temple: A Christian Approach to Health Stewardship

"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

As followers of Christ, we are called to be faithful stewards of everything God has entrusted to us—including our physical bodies. This divine gift deserves our thoughtful care, not out of vanity or self-worship, but as an act of worship to our Creator and service to His kingdom.

An Invitation to Wholeness

If you're a believer struggling with health issues, or if you're curious about how faith might intersect with your wellness journey, I want you to know that God cares about every aspect of your life—including your physical health. He's not waiting for you to get healthy before He loves you, but He does want to walk with you toward the wholeness He designed you for.

Your body is not your enemy to conquer or an idol to worship—it's a gift to steward for His glory and your good. When we approach health from this perspective, everything changes. The journey becomes sustainable because it's rooted in love rather than shame. The goals become meaningful because they're connected to purpose beyond ourselves.

This is the heart of kingdom health coaching: helping people discover that their wellness journey is really a discipleship journey, and that the God who created them wants to transform not just their bodies, but their entire lives for His glory and their flourishing.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31

Embracing God's Gifts of Healing

Scripture reveals that God works through various means to bring healing and restoration. Jesus himself used both miraculous healing and practical remedies—making mud to heal the blind man's eyes (John 9:6) and instructing the use of oil for healing (Mark 6:13). Luke, the beloved physician, was valued among the apostles for his medical knowledge (Colossians 4:14).

This biblical precedent encourages us to gratefully receive both modern medical treatment and the natural remedies God has provided through His creation. Proverbs 17:22 tells us that "a cheerful heart is good medicine," while Ezekiel 47:12 speaks of trees whose "leaves will serve for healing." As good stewards, we can seek wisdom from godly physicians while also appreciating the healing properties God has woven into His creation.

Practicing Biblical Moderation

Scripture consistently calls us to moderation and self-control, fruits of the Spirit that extend to our eating and drinking habits. Proverbs 23:20-21 warns against gluttony and drunkenness, while 1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs us to do everything—including eating and drinking—"for the glory of God."

The principle of moderation isn't about legalistic restriction but about honoring the body God has given us. When we eat and drink in ways that nourish rather than harm, we demonstrate gratitude for His provision and wisdom in caring for His temple within us. This reflects the heart of biblical stewardship: using God's gifts according to His design and for His glory.

Physical Discipline as Spiritual Training

Paul frequently used athletic metaphors to describe the Christian life, understanding that physical discipline mirrors spiritual discipline. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, he writes, "I discipline my body and keep it under control," recognizing that caring for our physical health requires the same dedication needed for spiritual growth.

Maintaining physical fitness becomes an act of preparation for kingdom service. A strong, healthy body enables us to serve others more effectively, whether caring for family, serving in ministry, or simply having the energy to love our neighbors well. The discipline required for regular exercise cultivates character qualities—perseverance, faithfulness, and self-control—that strengthen our spiritual walk.

Rest as God's Design

From the very beginning, God established the principle of rest, blessing the seventh day and making it holy (Genesis 2:3). Jesus himself regularly withdrew for rest and prayer (Luke 5:16), modeling the importance of restoration for both body and soul.

Prioritizing rest and mental health isn't selfish—it's obedience to God's design for human flourishing. When we honor our need for sleep, sabbath, and emotional healing, we acknowledge our created limitations and dependence on God's strength. This humility positions us to serve from a place of wholeness rather than depletion, reflecting God's heart for sustainable ministry and relationships.

Fasting: Following Christ's Example

Jesus fasted for forty days at the beginning of His ministry (Matthew 4:1-11), establishing fasting as both a physical and spiritual discipline. Throughout Scripture, fasting appears as a means of seeking God's face, gaining spiritual clarity, and demonstrating dependence on Him rather than on physical provision.

When approached prayerfully and wisely, fasting can bring both physical benefits and spiritual breakthrough. It teaches us that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). This practice reminds us that our deepest hunger is for communion with our Creator, and temporary physical denial can intensify our spiritual appetite for His presence.

The Temple Principle

Paul's declaration that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit revolutionizes how we view physical health. This isn't merely metaphorical language—it's a theological reality that should shape every health decision we make. The same God who once dwelt in Solomon's temple now chooses to inhabit our physical bodies through His Spirit.

This truth brings both privilege and responsibility. We care for our bodies not because they define our worth, but because they house the presence of the Almighty. Every choice to nourish rather than harm our bodies becomes an act of worship, a way of honoring the God who has made His home within us.

Glorifying God Through Health

When we view physical health through the lens of Christian stewardship, our daily choices take on eternal significance. The morning run becomes an offering of gratitude for legs that carry us. Nutritious meals become celebrations of God's provision. Adequate sleep becomes trust in His sovereignty over our daily schedules.

This perspective transforms health and wellness from self-focused activities into God-glorifying stewardship. We care for our bodies not to achieve perfection or earn approval, but to be faithful with what God has entrusted to us and to ensure we're prepared for whatever service He calls us to.

Walking in Faithful Stewardship

Christian health stewardship doesn't demand perfection—it requires faithfulness. It means approaching our bodies with the same careful attention we give to other areas of stewardship, recognizing that how we care for our physical health impacts our ability to love God and serve others well.

In this calling, we find freedom from both neglect and obsession, instead discovering a balanced path that honors God, serves others, and reflects the truth that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Our bodies, as temples of the Most High God, deserve nothing less than our faithful, grateful, and worshipful care.