For anyone who struggles with their health, this is an important Bible passage and one I apply to my own life:
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
Recently, I had some blood work done. When I went to the doctor, she told me that my triglycerides were a little high. Not too much—just a little. The optimal range is below 150, while mine was 170. Thankfully, the rest of my results were fine. I’m still quite young at 25, but that doesn’t mean I can neglect my health. We all need to care for the bodies God has given us. If we ignore our health now, we may face complications later.
That’s one reason I believe it’s important to submit ourselves to Christ. The Holy Spirit dwells in believers and guides us through God’s Word. As we seek Him, we can also learn to care for ourselves in ways that honor Him.
Remember, we are called to do everything for the Lord: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” — Colossians 3:23–24
That includes the way we care for our bodies. Eating healthy foods and making wise choices about our health can be part of honoring God with what He has entrusted to us.
Take Care of Your Body Through Exercise
Besides eating well, exercise can also help us care for our bodies. If you don’t have an active lifestyle, ask yourself how you could improve in this area. Think about what kind of physical activity you would actually enjoy. Some people like to rollerblade, while others enjoy martial arts, walking, or hiking. There are so many options!
For example, I practice Taekwondo three times a week. It’s hard, but it’s worth it. Of course, there are physical benefits, but exercise can also support our mental well-being. It can help reduce stress and improve our mood.
Mental health matters in the life of a Christian, too. One important question to ask yourself is: Do I see myself the way Christ sees me?
You are a daughter of God. The Bible gives us many reminders of our value in God’s eyes. One that comes to mind is: “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” — Matthew 10:31
The enemy wants to fill our minds with lies about our worth, which is why our identity must remain rooted in Christ. He loves you, and He wants you to know that you are loved.
It’s Okay to Set Boundaries
Have you ever tried to establish a boundary but struggled to follow through? You don’t have to say yes to everything. You have permission to take care of yourself. Sometimes, you need to say no. Many people fall into people-pleasing and eventually become burned out. Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean that you are selfish. It means recognizing your limitations and being a good steward of the life God has given you.
Jesus Himself established boundaries during His earthly ministry. He stepped away from crowds, spent time alone with the Father, and made space for rest and prayer. Caring for your physical and mental well-being matters. As you care for your body, guard your mind, and establish healthy boundaries, remember the One you are ultimately serving.
Remember the Lord
Your body, your mind, and your life belong to Him. Seek Christ, listen to His Word, and take faithful steps toward caring for yourself. You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Simply invite God into the process and trust Him with caring for your body.
