Healthful Living

We believe that the human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and should be cared for in a healthful manner. We acknowledge that healthful living encompasses a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoidance of harmful substances, and proper rest. We further believe that the pursuit of healthful living should be grounded in a deep commitment to God and His principles of love, compassion, and care for others as well as self.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 — 3 John 1:2 — 1 Corinthians 10:31 — Leviticus 11:1-47 — Genesis 1:29-30 — Genesis 9:3 — Romans 12:1 ¹⁾

In our fast-paced, modern world, we often neglect the crucial aspects of healthful living. We let our bodies, the very temples of the Holy Spirit, fall to the wayside as we rush through the days, weeks, and years. Yet, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.”

This scripture beautifully encapsulates the essence of healthful living. We are not owners of our bodies, but rather stewards. Thus, we are called to maintain and care for our bodies in a manner that glorifies God. A balanced diet, regular exercise, avoidance of harmful substances, and proper rest all contribute to the well-being of our bodies and are an integral part of this stewardship.

In the beginning, God provided Adam and Eve with a bounty of nutritious food. Genesis 1:29-30 states, “Then God said, 'I now give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the entire earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.'” God has provided us with an abundant variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains that are meant to nourish and strengthen our bodies. It is our responsibility to choose these foods wisely, striving for balance and variety, to ensure we are fueling our bodies in a way that honors Him.

In conjunction with a balanced diet, regular exercise is also essential to healthful living. Just as our bodies are designed to consume the wholesome foods God provides, they are also designed to move. This can take many forms: from a brisk walk in the morning sunshine to a full workout at the gym, each step and each stretch is a testament to the magnificent design of our Creator.

Avoidance of harmful substances, too, is a cornerstone of healthful living. Just as we must feed our bodies with the right fuel, we must also abstain from substances that harm our bodies whether food or not. In Leviticus 11:1-47, God provides the Israelites with dietary laws to follow, demonstrating His care and concern for their health. While we may not adhere to these exact laws today, the principle of treating our bodies with respect remains relevant.

Lastly, we must remember the importance of proper rest. Our bodies, like all of God's creations, have natural rhythms that we should respect. Regular, restful sleep is a gift from God, allowing us to rejuvenate and heal, ready to face a new day with energy and enthusiasm.

At its heart, healthful living is more than just a physical endeavor; it is a spiritual pursuit. It is a conscious choice to live in alignment with God's principles of love, compassion, and care for others. Romans 12:1 beautifully expresses this, “Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice — alive, holy, and pleasing to God — which is your reasonable service.”

Let us strive to live healthfully, honoring our bodies as the temples of the Holy Spirit, and manifesting God's love in our daily choices. In doing so, we align ourselves with the divine harmony that God intended, living out 3 John 1:2: “Dear friend, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul.”

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