Living a healthy lifestyle is more than simply eating right or being physically active. As humans, we also have to consider the fact that we are spiritual creatures too. We are wonderfully and fearfully made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). God made us in His image and breathed his spirit into us (Genesis 2:7), thus we must take into account not just our bodies when it comes to a holistic and healthy lifestyle, but our spirits, our souls, too! The Bible provides deep insights and guiding principles which can help each of us to embrace a lifestyle which covers our entire, God-made self. In doing so, we are able to honor God with our bodies, minds, and spirits.
As Christians, we know that Jesus Christ calls us to a joyful life (John 15:11), and part of that joyful life comes with living a healthy lifestyle. Let’s explore how we as Christians can live into that calling.
– Marcia Steele
The Body A Temple
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Do you 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 bough with a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” The bodies we have are mobile, developing, and constantly evolving temples of the very God we worship – what an astonishing and wonderful gift which we are given!
One aspect we may explore, then, is eating quality foods. When we eat junk food, or a large quantity of processed food in excess, it can damage the body. An article From the University of Chicago Medicine indicates that processed food can cause inflammation in the body which can alter good bacteria that live in our gut and trigger our immune system. Excessive inflammation leads to a variety of conditions which are not limited to vascular problems, immune problems, and even cancer.
Yet we see in the scriptures that God says, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food” (Genesis 1:29). From this, we can come to understand that eating natural foods that don’t have lots of additives align with the vision which God cast for us all the way back in the Creation narrative. Most fruits and vegetables have a variety of important vitamins and minerals which our body cannot produce on its own. Eating a diversity of greens is important to the functioning of our bodies for survival and health. Eating a diversity of meats, or protein-rich vegetables, is also critical – as our body cannot synthesize all the proteins necessary for continued growth on its own. Thus, eating diverse foods in moderation contribute to a healthy body and ultimately to a life that is more joyful (and more flavorful!). Striving to eat healthier is an act that is not just good for the body which God has given us, but also acts as an offering to Him who is our creator, who resides within us.
Physical Activity
The scriptures continuously emphasize the fundamental importance of physical activity. Paul writes that, “Whatever task you must do, work as if your soul depends on it, as for the Lord and not for humans” (Colossians 3:23). Proverbs writes that “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” (Proverbs 31:17). Labor, motion, movement! These are all wonderful ways to life a healthier lifestyle! Indeed, physical exercise is even demonstrated to reduce inflammation, improve our cardiovascular health, and even improve our emotional moods! Thus, we can see that being physically active contributes to a healthy life style while also having deep roots in the holy scriptures as well. When combined with eating well, we not only honor God, but contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Alongside physical activity and eating well, it is important to recognize that going to see health professionals is a component of living a healthy lifestyle. This includes annual check-ups at doctors and having an awareness of your body and any symptoms that may be present that require seeking support from a trained professional. Early on in Genesis, we see the development of human civilization described – people come about who are known for livestock, tent-makers, musicians, metalwork, and the like (Genesis 4:17-22). God gives us our minds and our rationality, and today we can add doctors and health professionals to the list of important people that God provides for us to live into the joyful life He is calling us towards. Medicine and the sciences are tools which the Lord gives us to better understand Him who is All In All, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, our Creator.
As you go about the next few weeks, consider how you live. Consider what you eat, how you move, what you spend your time doing. How are you honoring God in your life already? What habits or disciplines may need some modification so that you can you better honor God going forward? God Himself incarnated into a body – the Word was made Flesh – as Jesus Christ. We can rest assured that God knows our struggles and our joys bodily, He shares with us, and wants us to be the best each of us can be.
