A Biblical Approach to Physical Health
In a world increasingly focused on physical well-being, Christians often wonder how their faith intersects with diet, exercise, and overall health. The Bible, while not a medical textbook, provides profound principles that guide us in caring for our bodies. It reveals that our physical health is not merely a secular pursuit but an integral part of our spiritual walk, a form of worship, and a means to glorify God.
From the very beginning, God created man in His own image, fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14). Our bodies are intricate masterpieces, designed by the Creator for a divine purpose. Therefore, maintaining our physical health is an act of responsible stewardship, acknowledging that our bodies belong to God and are lent to us for His service.
Our Bodies: Temples of the Holy Ghost
Perhaps the most foundational biblical truth regarding physical health is found in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, where the Apostle Paul declares our bodies to be the temple of the Holy Ghost. This profound statement elevates our physical being to a sacred status, demanding reverence and careful attention.
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Since we are "bought with a price," namely the precious blood of Christ, our lives – including our physical bodies – are no longer our own to do with as we please. We are called to glorify God in our body, and in our spirit, which are God's (1 Corinthians 6:20). This means our choices regarding what we consume, how we move, and how we rest should be filtered through the lens of glorifying our Creator. Our physical health is not just about personal longevity or appearance; it's about honoring the dwelling place of God's Spirit and presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1).
Stewardship and Self-Control
The concept of stewardship extends to every area of our lives, including our physical bodies. We are managers, not owners. A good steward wisely manages the resources entrusted to him. This demands self-control and temperance, qualities repeatedly emphasized in scripture as fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23).
The Bible warns against gluttony and excessive indulgence. Proverbs repeatedly cautions against overeating and drunkenness, linking them to poverty and foolishness. For instance, Proverbs 23:2 advises, "And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite." While this is hyperbole, it underscores the seriousness of uncontrolled desires. Similarly, Proverbs 23:21 states, "For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags." These verses highlight the destructive consequences of a lack of self-discipline in eating and drinking.
Paul provides a powerful example of self-control in 1 Corinthians 9:27: "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." This verse speaks to the discipline required to master our physical appetites and desires so they do not hinder our spiritual effectiveness or our witness for Christ. It is about reigning in the flesh, not allowing it to dictate our actions, but rather bringing it into submission to the Spirit.
Nourishment and Rest
While the New Testament grants believers liberty regarding dietary laws that were part of the Old Covenant (e.g., Mark 7:19, Acts 10:15), the principles of moderation and wisdom still apply. The Bible encourages us to eat to live, not live to eat. Proverbs 25:16 wisely states, "Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it." This applies to all good things; even beneficial foods can be harmful in excess.
Beyond food, rest is a crucial component of physical health. From the very beginning, God modelled rest on the seventh day after creation (Genesis 2:2). The Sabbath principle, while fulfilled in Christ, still teaches us the importance of regular periods of rest and cessation from labor. Psalms 127:2 reminds us, "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep." Adequate sleep is vital for physical and mental restoration, enabling us to serve God more effectively when we are awake.
Regarding physical activity, the Bible does not explicitly command exercise routines. However, it implicitly encourages diligence and discourages slothfulness (Proverbs 6:10-11). While 1 Timothy 4:8 states, "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come," this verse is often misunderstood. It does not negate the value of physical activity but rather prioritizes spiritual exercise (godliness) as having eternal profit. Bodily exercise still has *some* profit for the life that now is, contributing to our ability to fulfill God's purposes on earth. A body that is cared for is better equipped to serve and endure.
The Mind-Body-Spirit Connection
The Bible consistently presents man as a holistic being, where physical, mental, and spiritual health are intricately linked. Our emotional and spiritual states profoundly impact our physical well-being. Proverbs 17:22 beautifully illustrates this: "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Joy, peace, and contentment, which are fruits of the Spirit, contribute to physical health, while prolonged sorrow, anxiety, and bitterness can manifest as physical ailments.
The Lord encourages us to cast our cares upon Him, for He careth for us (1 Peter 5:7). Worry and anxiety, though common, are contrary to God's will and can lead to physical stress and disease. Philippians 4:6-7 offers the divine antidote:
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Seeking God's wisdom and departing from evil also have tangible health benefits. Proverbs 3:7-8 instructs, "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." This suggests that living in alignment with God's Word brings holistic well-being.
God's Sovereignty and Healing
While we are called to be good stewards of our physical health, we must always remember that God is sovereign over all things, including sickness and healing. We are not guaranteed perfect health, and suffering is a reality in a fallen world. However, the Bible encourages us to pray for healing and to seek God's intervention.
The book of James provides clear instruction regarding prayer for the sick:
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
God can heal miraculously, but He also works through natural means, including medical professionals and treatments. There is no biblical prohibition against seeking medical help; indeed, wisdom often dictates it. The Bible speaks of physicians (Luke 4:23, Colossians 4:14), and God can certainly use their knowledge and skill as instruments of His grace and healing.
Purposeful Health
Ultimately, a biblical approach to physical health is driven by purpose. We care for our bodies not out of vanity or self-obsession, but so that we may be better equipped to fulfill God's calling on our lives. Our health enables us to serve others, to bear witness to the Gospel, to endure trials, and to use our gifts for the advancement of His kingdom.
As Colossians 3:23 admonishes, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." This principle applies to our physical health as well. When we eat, exercise, and rest with intentionality, seeking to honor God in these areas, our efforts become acts of worship. Our bodies, maintained in health and vitality, become more effective instruments for God's glory in a world that desperately needs His light.
Conclusion
A biblical approach to physical health is holistic, recognizing the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. It is rooted in the understanding that our bodies are sacred temples of the Holy Ghost, entrusted to us as a precious gift from God. This perspective calls us to diligent stewardship, characterized by self-control, wise nourishment, adequate rest, and a joyful heart.
While valuing physical health, we must always remember that godliness holds preeminence and has eternal profit. Our pursuit of health should never eclipse our devotion to Christ or become an idol. Instead, it should be a means by which we are better able to glorify God in all things, serving Him with renewed strength and a vibrant spirit, until that day when we receive our glorified bodies in His presence.