What the Bible Says about a Healthy Lifestyle
We all want to live a healthy life these days. However, it can be really hard to resist the sleeve of Oreos in the back of the cabinet or to get out of bed early for Spinning.
You know what might make it easier? When you know you’re doing what God directed you to do.
Since the Bible is our ultimate guide, it makes sense to turn to it to see what principles it lays forth in terms of taking care of the physical body God gave you. Let’s explore what God said about eating well and exercising and staying healthy in general.
In this post, we will delve into what the Bible says about staying healthy and discover how its teachings can guide us toward a balanced and holistic approach to eating well and staying healthy.
1. Caring for Your Body as God’s Temple.
This is the one I think comes first to mind for all of us.
The Bible emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Therefore, it is our responsibility to honor God by taking care of ourselves.
Think back to the Old Testament and how the Israelites were required to revere the Ark of the Covenant and the Temple? It was sacred ground because God was present.
That is precisely what your body in the New Testament and today.
This principle urges us to adopt healthy habits that nourish our bodies, such as maintaining a nutritious diet, engaging in regular exercise, and getting enough rest. By treating our bodies with respect and gratitude, we demonstrate our commitment to leading a healthy and fulfilling life.
2. Nurturing a Healthy Mindset.
Proverbs 17:22 reminds us that "a cheerful heart is good medicine."
The Bible encourages us to cultivate a positive mindset, as it has a profound impact on our overall health. By embracing joy, gratitude, and forgiveness, we can reduce stress, enhance our emotional well-being, and promote a healthy mindset.
Additionally, the Bible encourages us to guard our thoughts, avoiding negative influences and embracing thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
3. Moderation in All Things.
The concept of moderation is repeatedly emphasized in the Bible. Proverbs 25:27 advises that "eating too much honey is not good."
Similarly, the apostle Paul encourages self-control and moderation in all aspects of life (1 Corinthians 9:25). This principle reminds us to avoid extremes and find balance in our choices.
Whether it is regarding food, leisure activities, or work, practicing moderation helps us maintain a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
4. Practicing Self-Discipline.
The Bible underscores the significance of self-discipline in leading a healthy life. Self-discipline empowers us to make wise choices, resist temptation, and develop habits that contribute to our well-being.
Galatians 5:22-23 highlights self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, implying that it is a virtue to be cultivated. By practicing self-discipline in areas like diet, exercise, and rest, we can experience greater physical and mental health.
Now that we have discussed general healthy living principles, let’s turn to what God says about nutrition and how to eat. Food plays a significant role in our lives, providing sustenance and pleasure. It is important that we make wise and nourishing food choices.
1. God's Provision of Nutritious Food.
From the creation narrative in Genesis to the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, the Bible highlights God's provision of food. In Genesis 1:29, God gives humanity fruits, vegetables, and seeds as nourishment. This suggests that a plant-based diet rich in whole foods is in line with God's original plan for our well-being. By consuming a variety of natural, unprocessed foods, we can maximize the nutritional benefits and honor God's provision.
2. Avoiding Gluttony and Self-Control.
Proverbs 23:2 warns against indulging in excessive eating, stating, "Put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony." Gluttony is viewed as a lack of self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). By exercising self-discipline and self-control in our eating habits, we can prevent the negative consequences of overeating and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
3. Gratitude and Giving Thanks.
The Bible encourages us to approach our meals with gratitude and thanksgiving.
In 1 Timothy 4:4-5, it states, "For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving."
Cultivating a grateful heart and acknowledging God's provision fosters a positive relationship with food. By consciously appreciating and giving thanks for the nourishment we receive, we develop a healthy perspective and promote overall well-being.
Finally, biblical insights that can guide us in prioritizing physical activity.
1. Stewardship of the Body.
The Bible emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This teaching encourages us to treat our bodies with respect and care, recognizing that they are gifts from God. Engaging in regular exercise is a practical way to steward and maintain the physical health God has entrusted to us. By committing to a consistent exercise routine, we demonstrate our gratitude for the bodies we have been given.
2. Discipline and Self-Control.
Physical fitness often requires discipline and self-control, qualities that are commended in the Bible.
The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 about the importance of discipline in athletic endeavors. This passage teaches us to approach our faith through an analogy of exercise with a focused mindset, persevering through challenges to achieve our goals.
By cultivating discipline and self-control in our exercise routines, we develop character traits that extend beyond physical fitness.
3. Balance and Rest.
While exercise is important, the Bible also highlights the significance of balance and rest.
God modeled rest on the seventh day of creation, and Jesus Himself sought solitude and rest during His ministry. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 teaches us that there is a time for everything, including rest and recovery.
Balancing our exercise routines with sufficient rest and recovery periods allows our bodies to heal, rebuild, and perform optimally.
Although the Bible does not provide specific eating or exercise plans, it gives guidance on how to treat your body.
Since it is the temple of the Holy Spirit, you should treat it as such. That means prioritizing eating well and staying active. In all things God teaches us self-discipline and gratitude, and that absolutely applies to how you treat your body.
Let us remember that pursuing a healthy lifestyle is a lifelong journey, and by God's grace, we can enjoy abundant and purposeful lives.
And remember, the healthier we are, the longer we will be here to do God’s work!
