HONOURING GOD WITH YOUR BODY

You probably thought this was going to be another article about sexual purity and saving yourself.
Not today. Today, we’re going to look at another angle—one that is often overlooked but just as important. Let me start by asking you a couple of questions:

• What does health mean to you?

• What do you do to maintain your health?

Here is the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) definition of health:

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. It’s more than just the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Based on this definition, we can see that health encompasses far more than we often think. The Bible also shows us that health includes physical, spiritual, and mental well-being. When people say the Bible is a guidebook for every area of our lives, it’s not a joke. In it, we find principles for self-care, healthy eating, and fitness.

Our Bodies Are Temples of the Holy Spirit

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, honour God with your bodies.” (NIV)

God chose your body as His dwelling place. What an honour! This is a strong reminder that our bodies are not just physical shells; they are sacred vessels housing the Holy Spirit. When I read this verse, I’m reminded of the sacrifice made for me and the incredible value God places on my life. If we take the time to clean and maintain our church environments, how much more should we care for the bodies that house the Spirit of God? As believers, we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as a form of true worship (Romans 12:1). If you’ve given your life to Christ, you are what Scripture says: a living sacrifice, ready to live according to His will. Your body is no longer your own.

The Bible links spiritual health to physical health. For example, Proverbs teaches that fearing the Lord and turning from evil brings health to our bodies. This serves as a reminder that our overall well-being is deeply rooted in God’s care. When we align our lives with Him, both our spiritual and physical health are strengthened. It’s important to note that caring for our bodies isn’t just about physical appearance. 1 Timothy reminds us that while godliness holds value for all things, physical training also has some value. Spiritual growth should always be our priority, but having a healthy body enables us to fulfil God’s purpose.

The Bible reminds us that caring for our bodies isn’t just about looking or feeling good; it is an act of worship. Honouring God with our bodies is recognising that they are His temple, treating them with respect, and living in a way that reflects His glory.

Eating for God’s Glory

When we think about honouring God with our bodies, what we eat is an important part of that. The Bible encourages us to be mindful of what we consume, not just for physical health, but as an act of stewardship and gratitude. From the very beginning, God provided an abundance of food for our nourishment. Fruits and vegetables were part of His original design. Did you know it’s recommended that everyone has at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily? Scientists estimate there are around 300,000 edible plant species; that’s enough to try five different ones daily for over 164 years! So, if you’re struggling to find healthy foods you enjoy, don’t give up just yet. There’s an abundance waiting for you.

Eating isn’t just about nutrition; it’s also about intention.

1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (NIV)

Every choice we make, including what and how we eat, should reflect a heart of gratitude and wisdom. Are we eating to nourish our bodies, or are we turning to food out of boredom, stress, or emotional comfort? Do we practise moderation, or do we overindulge without self-control?

The book of Proverbs also offers practical wisdom, cautioning against gluttony and excessive indulgence. This isn’t about restrictive eating but about honouring God by making balanced choices. A great biblical example is the Israelites and the manna God provided. Despite His promise to supply their daily needs, some hoarded more than they needed. It teaches us to trust God not only with our spiritual and material needs but also with our relationship with food. It also calls to mind the fruits of the Spirit, self-control and patience as keys to establishing good habits and making wise choices that lead to a healthy lifestyle.

At the same time, while food sustains our bodies, it isn’t our ultimate source of life. Just as we feed our bodies, we must nourish our spirits. A well-balanced life includes both physical and spiritual sustenance. When we approach food with gratitude rather than obsession, whether that obsession is overeating or an unhealthy fixation on weight, we shift our focus to what truly matters: stewarding our bodies well for God’s purpose.

I’m quite the foodie myself, so maintaining variety in my meals comes naturally. But I know some of you may be stuck in a rice-only routine, rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or maybe it’s ‘swallow’ all day. Consider this a gentle challenge: step out of your comfort zone and explore the abundance of foods God has blessed us with.

At the end of the day, honouring God with our bodies goes beyond just physical choices. It’s about embracing a lifestyle that reflects balance, gratitude, and purpose. In the next section, we’ll dive into how a holistic approach to health plays a key role in this calling.