When most people think about having a healthy, whole person, physical health often does not take priority. In our churches, we rightly encourage spiritual growth through discipleship programs, Bible studies, and other opportunities for children and adults to grow in their faith. As the previous two articles on the mind have pointed out, a healthy mind is also important in maintaining a balanced relationship with God. However, many people do not realize how closely their physical health is connected to their mental and spiritual well-being. Our bodies, minds, and souls do not operate independently of one another. The way we eat, sleep, exercise, and manage stress can affect our energy, thinking, emotions, and ability to serve others. If we want to care for the whole person God created us to be, we need to recognize that caring for our physical health is also an important part of faithful Christian living.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Paul reminds believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that they should glorify God in their bodies. This truth changes how we view physical health. Our bodies are not disposable containers for our minds and spirits; they are part of God’s creation and the means through which we work, worship, love our families, and serve others. Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. Caring for our physical health is one way we can honor the One who gave us life. Christian author Lainey Greer, in Be Well: Learning to Steward Your Health, explains that focusing on spiritual growth does not mean neglecting the body. We are called to be faithful stewards of our physical health, recognizing that our bodies matter to God.
In 1 Timothy 4:8, Paul explains that physical training has some value, while godliness has value for this life and the life to come. He does not dismiss physical exercise; he puts it in its proper perspective. Exercise is not our highest priority, but it does have value. Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and appropriate stress management can help us maintain strength, energy, and the ability to carry out our daily responsibilities. In A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul, David Mathis explores how exercise can serve our spiritual lives, honor God, and help us bless others. The goal is not to make fitness an idol or become obsessed with our appearance. Rather, it is to care for the body God has entrusted to us so that we can faithfully serve Him and those around us.
We sometimes think that being faithful means continually working, serving, and meeting the needs of others. Scripture reminds us, however, that even devoted servants of God need rest. In 1 Kings 19:5–8, the prophet Elijah was exhausted and discouraged. God provided him with food, water, and sleep before he continued his journey. This passage offers an important reminder that our physical needs matter, even when we are engaged in spiritual work. When we consistently neglect sleep, proper nourishment, and recovery, we may find ourselves struggling with fatigue, irritability, and reduced energy. Rest is not laziness, and taking time to care for ourselves is not selfish. Sometimes, one of the most faithful things we can do is recognize our limitations and allow ourselves time to recover. Caring for our bodies includes knowing when to slow down, making wise choices, and seeking medical care when necessary.
In 3 John 1:2, John expresses his desire that Gaius enjoy good health as his soul prospers. This verse reflects a concern for the well-being of the whole person. Our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual lives are interconnected, and difficulties in one area can affect the others. Developing healthy habits—including nutritious eating, appropriate exercise, sufficient sleep, and managing stress—can be practical ways to care for the life God has given us. However, we must remember that faithful Christians can still experience illness, disability, and physical limitations. Poor health does not automatically mean a person has failed God, nor does good health guarantee spiritual maturity. The goal is not perfection but faithful stewardship. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we can seek to care for our bodies with gratitude, wisdom, and balance, using our strength and abilities to love others and serve God.
If your body is the instrument through which you serve God and love others, are your daily habits strengthening that instrument or wearing it down?
Supporting Resource
Bible.org. “1 Corinthians 6.” Bible.org, https://new.bible.org/seriespage/1-corinthians-6. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.
Bible.org. “Lesson 76: Why Give Yourself Totally to God? (Romans 12:1).” Bible.org, https://new.bible.org/seriespage/lesson-76-why-give-yourself-totally-god-romans-121. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.
Greer, Lainey. Be Well: Learning to Steward Your Health. New Growth Press, 2022.
Mathis, David. A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul. Crossway, 2025.
The Holy Bible. Scripture references: 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Romans 12:1; 1 Timothy 4:8; 3 John 1:2; 1 Kings 19:5–8.
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