Have you ever considered the real reason we need care for our bodies? When asked, most people would say it’s so they can live a long life free from illness. While this is true, the main reason we all need to care for our bodies is so we can carry out our God-given missions. Your body is the vehicle through which you serve God–and it’s hard to serve God when you’re sick.
With this truth in mind, here are three essentials when developing a health plan so you can go the distance for Christ.
Exercise/Fitness
Your body was not only created for physical activity, it thrives on it. Exercise stimulates the functionality of every biological system: cardiovascular, nervous, immune, and digestive. It also improves strength and flexibility, increases stamina, equips you to thrive at daily tasks, and can prevent injuries. But that’s not all. Exercise also builds self-esteem, because when we are healthier, we feel more confident.
Diet
Just like a car needs gas, your body needs food for fuel. It also requires vitamins and minerals to perform properly. Many people keep their stomachs full, but starve their bodies of vital nutrients needed to function optimally. This is why most doctors recommend a basic, balanced diet of the four major food groups, including the natural foods God created.
Sleep
Just as your body needs exercise, it also needs rest. The National Sleep Foundation conducted a survey of 1,004 Americans and learned that the vast majority—63 percent—do not get the eight hours recommended by experts for good health. In fact, as much as 40 percent indicated they are so sleepy during the day that it interferes with their daily activities several times a month. Nearly half reported they have driven while drowsy, and 20 percent say they have actually fallen asleep while behind the wheel.
Because of our fast-paced lifestyles, we often consider sleep a negotiable luxury. But it’s necessary for good health. If you want to do your best—whether it’s at work, or just staying awake during your prayer time—you need a strategy to get a good night’s sleep.
When we think of serving God, it’s easy to convince ourselves that taking care of our bodies is secondary to the other “more important” tasks needed to fulfill our missions. I encourage you not to neglect your health so you can serve God to the best of your ability. Fitness, diet, and sleep are essential to healthy living!
“You realize, don’t you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God’s temple, you can be sure of that. God’s temple is sacred—and you, remember, are the temple.” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)
Additional Resources
The Blueprint for Life study is designed to help you confirm God’s will and the life you were born to live:
- Spiritually
- Relationally
- Physically
- Financially
- and Career!
The study contains ten audio messages featuring Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, Tony Evans, John Maxwell and others. Now available for digital download. CLICK HERE to check it out!
