What does the Bible say about health?

Our health impacts our ability to answer God’s call in our lives. While some conditions are beyond our control, many aspects of our health result from our choices. Is your health helping you or holding you back from advancing the Kingdom? What the Bible says about health can motivate us to care for our bodies in a way that honors the Lord.

Are you a good steward of your health?

Can you say, “Here am I, Lord, send me?”

Perhaps you can say, “Yes, I’m spiritually ready,” but what about physically? Do you take care of yourself in such a way that you are physically ready to do whatever God asks?

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Romans 12:1 (CSB)

Does your body honor God?

When we were created, God gave us bodies to steward throughout our lives. Often, we think of them as our own. But for believers, our bodies no longer belong to us because of the transformative work on the cross and the Holy Spirit, who now dwells within us.

Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (CSB)

Considering this Bible passage on health, every choice we make with our body — whether physical, sexual, spiritual or otherwise — can affect our relationship with the Lord and our ability to serve him. We often forget that the choices around our health should be considered part of godly stewardship as well.

Are you reducing your risk for preventable health conditions?

Every step we take toward preventing chronic and deadly health conditions can keep us more equipped to advance the Kingdom. Three leading health conditions present risks to your health:

1. Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable, yet it’s estimated that 45% of adults in the U.S. will have cardiovascular disease by 2035.¹ While risk factors such as family history can’t be changed, a healthy diet and exercise can decrease risk.²
2. Obesity is a health crisis in the U.S. today. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than two in five American adults are obese.³ It can increase the risk for many health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, some cancers, breathing problems and more.⁴
3. Type 2 diabetes continues to be a widespread problem, with 1.2 million Americans diagnosed every year.⁵ It can affect much of your body, including your brain, heart, skin, kidneys, nerves and ears.⁶ A healthy diet, regular exercise and weight loss can help reduce risks.

Are we offering the best of ourselves as servants to God if we don’t take care of ourselves physically? Commit to honoring God with your body. That doesn’t mean you should starve yourself or work out two hours a day. What it does mean is that we should carefully consider our food choices, make exercise a regular part of our lives and get adequate sleep.⁷

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (CSB)

What are the advantages of biblical health?

Good physical health enables us to do more for the Lord and enhances mental and emotional health. Better health can help you:

• Have more energy to spend intentional time with family.
• Be a better steward of your financial health and spend less on medications and health care services for preventable conditions.
• Enjoy a better mood and improved mental health — thanks to endorphins released during exercise.
• Minimize chances of becoming a burden to your family.
• Increase your potential for a longer life.
• Serve others (e.g., take the youth group to camp, corral toddlers in Sunday school or navigate a mission trip without modern conveniences like elevators).

How can you pursue positive change in your health?

• Seek the Lord. If you feel that you need to improve your physical condition, ask God to reveal which areas need improvement and for the energy and desire to commit to that change.
  
  My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. Psalm 27:8 (CSB)
• Consult your health care provider. Establishing a plan and making healthier choices may help limit your risk for diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, back and joint pain, and some types of cancer.⁸ You can also take advantage of preventive care services that may help uncover issues before symptoms appear and possibly prevent them from worsening.
• Ask a friend to join you. Just about anything is easier and more enjoyable with a friend. An accountability partner can help keep you on track and motivate you to stay persistent on challenging days.
• Rest. It may seem counterintuitive, but intentional rest is good for our physical bodies. Why? Because God designed us that way and calls us to a Sabbath rest. Constant activity without breaks can lead to physical, mental and emotional burnout.

Need some inspiration to get started on the journey to positive change? Check out the GuideStone^® Wellness Challenge.

Strengthen Your Health with Wellness Tools

We understand that physical wellness can be challenging. At GuideStone, we equip you to improve your health with valuable wellness tools available in most of our health plans at no extra cost.

As health plan members take advantage of preventive care services, they can earn cash rewards by shopping for health care procedures with SmartShopper^®.⁹ Additionally, Twin Health^® helps individuals heal their disrupted metabolism and reverse type 2 diabetes.¹⁰

For more information, contact us at Insurance@GuideStone.org or 1-844-INS-GUIDE (1-844-467-4843) Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.

GuideStone welcomes the opportunity to share this general information. However, this article is not intended to be relied upon as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.