Our health is more than just a physical matter—it is a sacred stewardship, a spiritual responsibility given to us by God. The body is the first gift God bestows upon us at birth and the last thing He takes from us when our time on Earth ends. How we care for this gift reflects our discipline, gratitude, and faith. Improving one’s health is one of the most spiritual journeys a person can embark upon, requiring the fruits of the Spirit—temperance, faith, love, and long-suffering—to guide us toward a life of purpose, accountability, and deeper connection with God and others.
Why Is the Body Our First Stewardship?
We were given a body before we were given families, careers, or missions. This vessel is the foundation upon which all other responsibilities rest. Stewardship is about managing what belongs to another, and while our bodies are a part of us, they are not us. Instead, they are entrusted to us by God for a time, and He calls us to care for them with wisdom and diligence while we are on our spiritual journeys.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, “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.” Honoring God with our bodies means not only avoiding harmful behaviors but also actively improving our health through mindful eating, exercise, and rest.
If we neglect our bodies, we limit our ability to serve others, pursue our calling, and experience the fullness of life. But when we treat our bodies as sacred, we position ourselves for greater spiritual, mental, and emotional growth.
The Fruits of the Spirit in Health and Fitness
Improving health is not just about discipline—it is about embodying spiritual virtues. The Bible speaks of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), qualities that reflect God’s character. Among them, several are particularly crucial for a health journey:
- Temperance (Self-Control) – A healthy life requires control over impulses. Whether resisting unhealthy food, committing to regular exercise, or maintaining balance in rest, self-control is essential. The body often desires comfort and excess, but the spirit calls for restraint and moderation.
- Faith – Faith is believing in what we cannot yet see. In health, this means trusting that consistent effort will yield results, even when progress is slow. It also means believing that God equips us with strength and endurance for the journey.
- Love – True self-care is an act of love, not vanity. Loving the body God gave us means treating it with respect, not as an idol but as an instrument for good. When we care for ourselves, we are also better able to love and serve others.
- Long-Suffering (Patience and Endurance) – Health is a lifelong journey, not a quick fix. Physical, emotional, and spiritual transformations take time. Endurance in health is about persisting through setbacks, trusting that every small effort leads to a greater outcome.
Each of these fruits builds upon the others, making pursuing health an inherently spiritual act during spiritual Journeys.
Accountability in Diet and Exercise
Every choice we make regarding our bodies is a reflection of our accountability to God. What we put into our bodies and how we use them shapes not only our physical condition but also our ability to fulfill our greater purpose.
- Diet: A Temple Requires Quality Fuel – The food we eat impacts our energy, mood, and longevity. Proverbs 23:2 advises, “Put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.” This harsh imagery underscores the seriousness of overindulgence. Eating well is an act of discipline and respect for the vessel God has given us.
- Exercise: Strengthening for Service – Movement is not just about aesthetics; it is about functionality and purpose. When we strengthen our bodies, we become more capable of serving others, working diligently, and fulfilling God’s call on our lives. Romans 12:1 urges us, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Physical strength enhances our ability to live out our spiritual mission.
Both diet and exercise require attention to detail—a trait found throughout Scripture. Just as God designed the world with precision, we are called to be intentional with our own bodies, caring for them in a way that reflects His order and wisdom.
How a Healthy Body Supports a Spiritual Life
When we prioritize health, we free ourselves to live more fully. A strong, well-nourished body supports:
- A deeper spiritual connection with God – When we are physically well, we can better focus in prayer, worship, and study without the distraction of poor health.
- More meaningful relationships – Good health allows us to be present and engaged in the lives of our loved ones.
- Greater productivity and service – The stronger and healthier we are, the more we can contribute to our families, communities, and God’s kingdom.
Neglecting health can create barriers—fatigue, illness, and preventable struggles—that limit our ability to live out our God-given purpose. By caring for our bodies, we honor the Creator and make ourselves better stewards of His gifts.
Conclusion
Improving one’s health is one of the most spiritual journeys a person can take. It requires the fruits of the Spirit—temperance, faith, love, and long-suffering—to guide our choices in diet, exercise, and overall well-being. Our bodies, though part of us, are not us—they are our first stewardship, entrusted to us by God to manage with wisdom.
By being mindful of what we consume and how we move, we cultivate discipline, honor our Creator, and equip ourselves for a more productive, spiritual, and fulfilling life. True health is not just about looking better—it is about living better, loving deeper, and serving with greater strength and purpose.
