Stewarding Our Bodies Well, God's Temple 

     In a world full of distractions and temptations, it’s easy to forget how much our bodies actually matter to God. We weren’t created by accident—we were created in His image, and that means how we care for ourselves is part of our worship. Paul reminds us of this when he says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). That verse reminds us that we have a responsibility to ourselves. It shifts health from being about appearance or productivity to being about stewardship. Romans 12:1 echoes that same heart when it calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, showing that our physical lives are deeply connected to our spiritual devotion.  For us, honoring God with our bodies looks like paying attention to the everyday choices we make.

     It means choosing nourishing foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins that give our bodies what they need to function well. Limiting heavily processed foods and excess sugar helps us stay energized and balanced. When we make thoughtful choices about nutrition, we are fueling our bodies to serve God and others more faithfully.

     Choosing to move our bodies in ways that feel life-giving, like walking, swimming, strength training, or another activity we enjoy, staying active improves our overall quality of life.

Exercise strengthens us physically and also supports our mental and emotional health. When we build movement into our routines, we are honoring the bodies God has given us and caring for them with intention.

     In our busy culture, we often push rest aside and end up treating it like a reward we have to earn, when in reality it is a part of God’s original design for our well-being

God Himself modeled rest when He established the Sabbath (Genesis 2:2–3), and that alone tells us how sacred it really is. It is an act of trust. When we choose to prioritize rest, we are better equipped to live out the purposes God has for us.

     It also means being honest about stress and learning to bring it to God through prayer and leaving it there. Ongoing stress can wear us down both physically and emotionally if we are not careful. That is why it matters to build healthy ways to respond to it. Turning to practices like prayer, quiet reflection, and slow, deep breathing can bring peace to our minds and help ease anxiety. It also makes a difference to reach out to trusted friends, family, or a counselor who can offer support, wisdom, and encouragement when things feel heavy. None of this is about perfection—it’s about gratitude and responding wisely to the life God has entrusted to us.

     Just as important as physical health is spiritual health. Spending time in prayer, God’s Word, and worship is essential for building a strong relationship with the Lord and maturing spiritually, and reminds us why this journey even matters. It helps bring our hearts and minds back into alignment with His will and equips us with the strength to steward our bodies well. When we intentionally make room for Jesus, our relationship with God deepens, and we begin to see our lives and our purpose more clearly.

     Community plays a huge role as well, since having people who encourage us, pray with us, and hold us accountable makes a real difference when our motivation fades. Setting realistic goals and inviting others into the process helps us stay grounded and consistent. Stewarding our bodies as God's temple encompasses our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.  And as we take small, faithful steps forward, we trust that God will give us the wisdom and grace we need to live vibrant lives that glorify Him.