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Living Healthy as an Act of Worship

By Marcia K. Graham, M.D.

Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” A Christian worldview believes that worship is how we interact with God all day long, including how we treat His temple—the body, soul and spirit. The body needs attention to be healthy. Just as spiritual health requires discipline, emotional and physical well-being need the same.

God has always known what science has “discovered”—health in one area begets health in other areas. For example, exercising (preferably 2½ hours per week) raises endorphins in the brain which helps the feeling of well-being and fight off depression. Exercise also can increase energy levels and possibly lower caloric intake (with discipline). Being spiritually fit and actively ministering to others in the anointing of the Spirit can have the same effect on raising some endorphins in the brain. Watching humorous movies raises endorphins and boosts the immune system to fight off diseases, including cancer. Does that not sound like God? How are you using your emotions?

To be in balance physically our bodies need a balanced diet, and a healthy amount of sleep and exercise. Exercise is recommended at a moderate level, for 2½ hours per week. (Walking that produces sweating will do.) As we age stretching is important to prevent injuries as well as provide core body strengthening to prevent back strain. Pilates is good for both. Some women may have to do more weights if their bone density is low. A balanced weight is found on numerous charts on the web (for example, webmd). One’s BMI should be less than 27 unless the person is very muscular. A BMI over 30 is considered obese. Many medical problems are associated with obesity which shortens one’s life, and consequently, one’s work for the Lord.

“Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19,20, The Message).

While we glorify God in the spirit, let us not forget the daily testimony of our body and soul, imperfect as we are.

 

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