Wellness as Worship
God has blessed each of us with a body. Yet, often without realizing it, we treat our bodies in ways He never intended, making choices that fall short of the purpose He set for us.
In John 10:10 (CSB), Jesus tells us the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I (Jesus) have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (CSB)
Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.
This passage reminds us that our bodies are not merely ours to use as we please. Our bodies are a gift entrusted to us, and a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit, so it is important that we take care of ourselves.
Building Healthy Habits
Caring for our bodies through movement and nourishing food are two ways we honor the gift God has given us. Scripture reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and tending to them is an act of gratitude and stewardship.
It can be easy to say, “I’m too busy,” or to feel that life simply gets in the way. Yet even in our fullest seasons, there is room to move. Just thirty minutes a day can make a difference. You might wake up a little earlier, take a walk on your lunch break, or trade your evening scroll through social media for time outdoors. Small, faithful choices like these, practiced day after day, grow into a healthy way of life.
The same is true of what we put on our plates. Wholesome foods strengthen and sustain us, while heavily processed foods may taste good in the moment, but often leave us feeling sluggish and tired. Have you noticed that? Nourishing foods, by contrast, give us lasting energy, clearer minds, and the strength to serve God and others well.
Adam Dunlap, Minister of Wellness, says:
“Jesus’ greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:29). From this, I believe our physical wellness journey goes hand in hand with our spiritual well-being as a place we can love and worship the Lord.”
3 John 1:2 (CSB)
Dear friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and are in good health, just as your whole life is going well.
Lifestyle changes are hard, but they are worth it. We are not asking you to overhaul everything overnight. Instead, we encourage you to take your current habits one at a time and gently turn them into habits that honor the Lord.
Instead of staying up late watching television, try reading a passage of Scripture to quiet your mind before bed. Instead of reaching for cookies as a snack, choose a piece of fruit or something filling to carry you to your next meal. And instead of sitting for hours on end, get up and move.
There are so many enjoyable ways to move your body. Why not start a new hobby? This could be a sport, a workout class at the FRC, or simply a daily walk on your own. Imagine the joy of discovering something new, meeting people, and caring for the body God has blessed you with in a fresh way!
The 7-Day Challenge
This week, we invite you to take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle. First, pray. Psalm 37:5 says,
Commit your way to Him, trust Him, and He will act, making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday. John 15 also tells us that apart from Him, we can do nothing.
Seven days is just the beginning. Think of it as a launching point for habits you can keep up long after the week ends.
Let’s start by setting goals that are realistic and doable, the kind you can keep up on a busy day and not just on a good one. Small steps, taken faithfully each day, add up over time and provide long-lasting benefits!
#1: Spend at least 20 minutes a day with Jesus
Try waking up a little earlier to start your day well! Time in the Word keeps our minds centered on Him from the very beginning.
#2: Move your body for at least 30 minutes
Take a walk, play a sport, or do something active to care for the body God has blessed you with!
#3: Swap processed snacks and sodas for better choices
Processed foods are hard to avoid completely, but you can choose whole, nourishing snacks that give you lasting fuel and energy. Try trading soda for water, too! Sometimes what feels like hunger is really our body telling us it is thirsty.
#4: Get enough sleep
Saying “no” can be a godly answer! You do not have to say yes to everything, especially when it costs you rest. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night, and if that means turning down an invitation now and then, that is okay.
#5: Choose joy!
You may be the only glimpse of Jesus someone sees today, so let your words and actions tell His story well. That means choosing kindness and joy, even when negativity feels easier.
Overall, we hope this 7-Day Challenge encourages you to build healthy habits that honor the Lord. We are praying for you as you take these first steps, and we trust that He will meet you in each one.