Stewardship of Your Body
“Do you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
Caring for your health is so much more than just following the latest wellness trend or trying to keep up with what’s popular. It is an act of worship and devotion to God. When we recognize that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, then the way we nourish ourselves with food, engage in physical movement, prioritize rest and recovery, and protect our bodies from harm becomes a daily, tangible way to honor and glorify God in our everyday lives.
Why Stewardship of Health Matters
When we intentionally and consistently tend to our physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being, we significantly increase our capacity and availability to serve others with excellence, love our families well and be fully present with them, and faithfully walk out the unique purpose and calling that God has placed on our lives. Stewardship is not about achieving perfection or meeting an impossible standard. Rather, it is about faithful, thoughtful, and intentional care of the precious gift that God has entrusted to us—our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit.
What Is Biblical Stewardship (Applied to Your Body)?
Stewardship, in its truest and most biblical sense, is the responsible, intentional, and faithful management of everything that ultimately belongs to God. Because Christ purchased us at a great price through His sacrifice on the cross, every single choice we make about what we eat, how much rest we get, how we move our bodies, and what substances we allow into our lives are not merely lifestyle preferences or personal wellness decisions—they are deeply spiritual decisions that reflect our understanding of whose we are and who we belong to.
5 Practical Ways to Honor God With Your Body
- Nourish Your Body Wisely : God made food to sustain and delight us. Choose nutrient-dense foods most of the time and enjoy treats with gratitude and moderation. See Proverbs 23:20–21 for wisdom against excess
- Move Regularly : Physical training has value (1 Timothy 4:8). Aim for consistent movement that you enjoy: brisk walks, strength training, dancing, or stretching.
- Prioritize Real Rest: Jesus invited the disciples to come away and rest (Mark 6:31). Guard your sleep, practice a gentle evening routine, and embrace Sabbath rhythms.
- Guard Your Mental and Emotional Health: Bring anxiety to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6–7) and, when needed, seek wise counsel or professional care. Setting boundaries is stewardship, not selfishness.
- Avoid Harmful Substances: Say no to what damages the temple God entrusted to you, including excess alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and other destructive habits.
The Heart Behind the Habits
This is not about following rigid rules or striving for body perfection. It is fundamentally a heartfelt response of love and gratitude to our Creator. As we intentionally and faithfully care for our bodies with wisdom and grace, we become more fully available, present, and equipped to serve God wholeheartedly and to love and minister to the people He has placed in our lives. Romans 12:1 beautifully calls us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice—a profound reminder that our daily, ordinary choices around food, rest, movement, and self-care become acts of holy worship and devotion to the One who created us and redeemed us.
A Simple Next Step
Choose one step this week:
- Drink 64 oz of water each day
- Take a 15–30 minute walk daily
- Go to bed 30–60 minutes earlier
- Schedule a long-postponed checkup
- Practice 5 minutes of quiet prayer or deep breathing
Small, faithful steps compound into a healthier, more surrendered life.
Closing Prayer
Pray this prayer with me as we embark on the journey of honoring God through our health:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and thanksgiving for the incredible gift of our physical bodies. We acknowledge that these bodies are not our own, but temples of Your Holy Spirit, fearfully and wonderfully made by Your hands. Lord, we humbly ask that You would help us to faithfully steward our health with wisdom that comes from You, with discipline that is sustained by Your strength, and with grace that reflects Your mercy toward us. Teach us, guide us, and empower us to honor You in every single choice we make—whether it’s what we eat, how we move, how we rest, or how we care for the temple You have entrusted to us. May our daily decisions reflect our love for You and our desire to glorify You in all things. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
