Do exercise and eating for nutrition sometimes seem like secular practices to you?

I know my mind often wanders to fitness influencers and professionals who have made their entire lives revolve around these things. They’re sometimes motivated by looking a certain way or being healthy for the job. (And they’re not the only ones! I know I’ve been distracted by the number on the scale or how I look many times over.)

But, taking care of the body is also a Biblical principle! 

“Or 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.” 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Prioritizing our physical health is a good thing. It’s something Paul reminds us to do in 1 Corinthians! But, it also shouldn’t be the center of our lives. It should support the main thing in our life – God and glorifying Him.

Taking care of ourselves and our health should be motivated by a desire to care for God’s creation – that’s us! But, we can’t stop at just caring for our bodies through exercise and nutrition.

“for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

When God created us, He connected all parts of us in mind, body and spirit. Therefore we should take care of our entire selves – in mind, body and spirit.

“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?… But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” Matthew 6:26, 30

God cares for us above all other parts of His creation. He cares for us, and He wants us to care well for ourselves and others.

What does that look like on a practical basis?

In Mind: This can look like keeping a gratitude journal, praying, practicing breath work, or seeing a therapist/counselor regularly. (You can even combine prayer with breath work by using breath prayers!)

In Body: This can look like practicing mindful eating, exercising regularly, going for a walk, or sitting in the sunshine for a few minutes. (Regular exercise doesn’t always have to mean lifting weights or cardio. It can also be a gentle movement, like a slow yoga flow.)

In Spirit: This can look like attending church regularly, writing down your prayers, studying and meditating on Scripture, or being part of a Bible study group.

In many ways, you can overlap how you care for yourself in these areas. Sometimes I do this by going for a walk outside – which cares for my body and mind – and I pray as I walk – which cares for my spirit. 

God created you with these connections, and He cares deeply about your wellbeing. How will you honor Him and care for yourself in mind, body and spirit today?