Taking care of your body can feel like a never-ending battle. There’s always something pulling your attention elsewhere—busy schedules, exhaustion, emotional stress, or just the convenience of another drive-thru meal. But what if our physical health isn’t just about energy levels or how we look in photos? What if it’s spiritual?

That’s the mindset shift that changed everything for me. I realized that honoring God isn’t just about what I say or do—it’s about how I care for the body He gave me.

What It Means to Care for Your Body as God’s Temple

One verse that challenged me early in this journey was 1 Corinthians 6:19–20:

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

That’s a strong call. Not a guilt trip—but a reminder that we belong to God in every way, body and soul. And because of that, how we treat our bodies matters.

Romans 12:1 builds on this idea:

“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

Taking care of your body isn’t vanity—it’s worship. It’s not about six-pack abs. It’s about stewarding the one body we’ve been given to serve God and others well. We often talk about stewarding our time, talents, and treasure—but our temples need stewarding too.

And when we start seeing our physical health through a spiritual lens, everything shifts. It’s not about checking boxes or following trends—it’s about living in alignment with the One who created us.

When Health Becomes Worship

For me, this shift wasn’t instant. It came after some hard realizations. I had developed pre-diabetes and wasn’t feeling like myself. I was tired, sluggish, and not functioning at full capacity. Over time—and with some practical changes—I lost 20 pounds and reversed the diagnosis. But the biggest change wasn’t physical. It was spiritual.

Health became part of how I honored God with my life.

That doesn’t mean we all need to look the same or meet some arbitrary health standard. It means asking: Am I treating my body like something sacred? Like something God gave me to steward for His glory?

It’s not about self-obsession. It’s about self-control—a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)—and viewing our physical decisions as an extension of our discipleship.

Here are a few things I’ve learned (and am still learning) along the way:

1. Food is Fuel—and Sometimes an Idol

Our relationship with food is often emotional. Comfort eating, stress eating, celebration eating—it adds up fast. And while food is a good gift from God, it can become an idol when we look to it for something only He can provide.

Scripture doesn’t shy away from this. Proverbs 23:20–21 warns us about the consequences of overindulgence, and Philippians 3:19 describes people “whose god is their stomach.”

That hit me hard. I had to ask: Am I running to snacks instead of my Savior?
Am I satisfying a craving—or covering up a deeper need for comfort, peace, or control?

One phrase that helped me reframe things: “Nothing tastes as good as health feels.” It’s not about depriving yourself—it’s about choosing what serves your body, your mind, and your mission.

2. Find Movement You Don’t Hate

The best workout is the one you’ll actually do. I love basketball—it’s fun, fast-paced, and gets my heart rate up without feeling like a chore. I also walk on a treadmill at home and lift weights a few times a week.

And honestly? Some of my clearest thoughts and prayers come while I’m walking or lifting. Movement becomes a kind of communion. I talk to God. I reflect. I reset.

If you hate the gym, don’t go. Try dance classes, yoga, resistance bands, or long walks in your neighborhood. There’s no “one way” to move your body—but movement matters. It boosts your mood, clears your mind, and helps you serve God with energy and strength.

3. Small Habits > Big Plans

It’s tempting to go all-in with a new routine: new gear, new gym, strict diet, the whole nine yards. But the biggest progress comes from small, consistent habits.

Jesus often talked about faithfulness in the small things (Luke 16:10). The same principle applies to our physical lives.

Here’s what’s worked for me:

  • I don’t keep sweets in the house. If I want ice cream, I have to leave home for it.
  • I prep my gym bag the night before so it’s ready to go.
  • I listen to fitness podcasts while working out—it keeps me inspired.
  • I wear a fitness tracker and aim for 10,000 steps each day.

Small choices, repeated over time, lead to transformation—not just in our bodies, but in our character.

4. The Scale Isn’t the Whole Story

Weight is one measure of health—but it’s not the only one. Your energy, sleep, strength, mood, and lab work all matter too.

Don’t let the number on the scale define your worth or your progress. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)—regardless of the metrics. Celebrate non-scale victories: clearer skin, deeper sleep, better endurance, more confidence. These count, too.

5. Pay Attention to What You Drink

Drinks are one of the easiest places to cut hidden calories. Juice, soda, sweet tea—it adds up fast.

These days, I mostly stick to water (and yes, the occasional Dr. Pepper). I make it more interesting with lemon or mint, and it’s helped me feel better all around.

It’s a small shift with a big payoff. Our bodies need clean fuel—and sometimes the simplest steps are the most powerful.

6. Embrace Inconvenience

Little decisions add up. Park farther away. Take the stairs. Walk while you’re on the phone. These small shifts train your body—and your mind—to stay active.

Convenience is nice, but it rarely leads to growth. Discomfort is where strength is built. And sometimes, choosing inconvenience is an act of discipline that honors God more than we realize.

Honoring God, One Step at a Time

Nobody’s coming to do the hard work for you. Your health journey is yours—and it’s sacred. But here’s the good news: You’re not in it alone.

You have a God who cares about every part of you—body, mind, and spirit. He knit you together (Psalm 139), calls your body His temple, and invites you to honor Him with every step you take.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about honoring the God who made you, saved you, and loves you—by taking care of the one body He gave you.

So if you need a place to start? Drink some water. Go for a walk. Ask God to give you strength. And take one step forward.

You’ve got this.

The Family Life Center at our Champions Campus is here for you! With a fully equipped gym, indoor track, group fitness classes, and more, it’s a welcoming space designed to support your physical wellness in a Christ-centered environment. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to stay active, this incredible resource is right here at your church—ready when you are.