HONOURING GOD WITH YOUR BODY (PART 2)

Honouring God with our bodies goes beyond what we eat or how we exercise—it’s about taking care of ourselves in every way: physically, spiritually, and emotionally. In Part 1, we explored how our bodies are temples of God and how our diet and lifestyle should reflect that understanding. Now, let’s take a broader look at holistic health, because taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish—it’s an act of worship. Jesus reminds us in

Matthew 22:39 to “love your neighbour as yourself.”

 But how can we pour into others if we are running on empty? Caring for ourselves—mind, body and spirit is not just beneficial; it’s necessary.

The Importance of Rest and Emotional Well-Being

 Jesus Himself modelled self-care. He understood that constant busyness isn’t sustainable, and neither is neglecting our emotional well-being.

Mark 6:31: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

How often do we push ourselves to the limit, believing that rest is a luxury rather than a necessity? Yet, stress and burnout can have serious consequences—not just for our physical health but for our ability to serve God and others effectively. God doesn’t want us to be consumed by stress, sleepless nights, or constant worry. Science backs this up—unregulated stress has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and many other health issues. Our well-being matters to God, and taking intentional steps to care for our mental health is a way of honouring Him. The bible reminds us that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone.

Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Lessons from Esther’s Beauty Routine.

The story of Esther beautifully illustrates the balance between physical self-care and spiritual preparation. Before stepping into her God-ordained purpose, she spent an entire year undergoing beauty treatments (Esther 2:12). This was not about vanity, but about preparing herself for the significant purpose God had for her. She also fasted and prayed (Esther 4:16), showing that while caring for our physical bodies is important, spiritual preparation and seeking God’s guidance are just as vital. Ultimately, it was God’s favour that made her queen, reminding us that while we can take steps to care for ourselves, it is God who determines our purpose and value. When we care for our bodies with gratitude, we reflect the truth in the bible verse:

 Psalm 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

As Dr Myles Munroe wisely said, “when purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable” and I think the same can be said for our worth. When we recognize our worth in Christ, we begin to treat ourselves accordingly.

Be intentional about honouring God with your body

Honouring God with our bodies doesn’t happen by accident, it requires intentionality. Just as we make time for prayer, worship, and studying the Word, we must also make time for our physical health, rest, and emotional well-being. Think about it: If we neglect our spiritual lives, our faith weakens; the same applies to our bodies. If we constantly eat poorly, ignore our need for rest, and fail to manage stress, we won’t be in the best shape to fulfil our calling.

Being intentional means making wise choices, not just for aesthetic reasons, but because our bodies are vessels for God’s work. Whether it’s saying no to unhealthy habits, taking breaks when needed, or choosing foods that nourish rather than harm, each decision is an opportunity to honour God.

Honouring God with your body could look like:

• Getting enough rest instead of glorifying busyness
• Nourishing our bodies with good food instead of eating out of stress or boredom
• Moving our bodies regularly, not for appearance’s sake, but for health and strength
• Managing stress through prayer and surrender, rather than carrying burdens alone
• Setting boundaries to protect our peace and well-being

Every small, intentional choice adds up. When we steward our bodies well, we position ourselves to serve God more effectively.

Declare this over  yourself: 

                                                                                                                                    The Holy Spirit dwells inside of me.
My body is not my own; it is a temple of God.
My body is a vehicle for God’s purpose.
Self-care is not selfish.
I will honour God with my body.

Heavenly Father, I lift every reader of this article before You. I ask that You help them honour You with their bodies in every way. Give them the grace and strength to make choices that glorify You—to walk in purity, discipline, and gratitude. Strengthen them in moments of weakness and remind them of Your love and purpose for them. May their lives reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.