You will not be healthy if you eat well and exercise every day. It may make you look and feel better, but eating and exercise, according to Dr. Bill Hettler (co-founder of the National Wellness Institute) and his six aspects of wellness, barely scratch the surface of what comprehensive health entails.
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Let's start with the two dimensions we're most familiar with: physical and spiritual well-being. These aspects are frequently linked, which is understandable given how intertwined they are. According to Romans 12:1, “…present your bodies to God as a holy and acceptable living sacrifice, which is your spiritual worship.” Then, according to 1 Corinthians 6:20, “Because you were purchased with a price, praise God in your body and spirit, which are God's. These and other passages remind us that our physical experience is linked to our spiritual testimony. Investing in your physical health, or not, has a direct impact on your spiritual health, and vice versa.
What Bible says about physical health?
2 Timothy 5 An athlete can only win the championship if he or she competes according to the rules.
2427 in 1 Corinthians 9 Are you aware that all of the runners in the stadium compete in the race, but only one takes home the prize? To win, you must run. In every manner, every athlete is disciplined. They do it to earn a flimsy crown, but we have an indestructible one. As a result, I don't run aimlessly or fight like a shadowboxer. No, I drive and train my physique out of fear of being disqualified myself after preaching to others.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have done well in the race, I have finished it, and I have maintained my faith.
6:19-20 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you realize that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit who lives inside you and that you are not your own?
16:7 1 Samuel 16:7 “Do not judge him by his appearance or his tall stature, since I have rejected him,” the Lord told Samuel. God sees not as man sees, since man sees the outward appearance, but the Lord sees the heart.”
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you are thriving in all things and that you are in good health, just as your soul prospers.
Proverbs 17:22 A happy heart keeps the body healthy, but a sad spirit dries up the bones.
Philippians 4:13 Through Him who empowers me, I have strength in everything.
Isiaiah 40: 29-31 He gives strength to the fainting, and energy to the feeble. Young men will faint and grow weary, and youths will stagger and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, soar with eagles' wings, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint.
Because we are surrounded by such a huge cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every load and sin that clings to us and persist in running the race that lies ahead of us, keeping our eyes set on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.
Hebrews 12:11-13 Although all discipline appears to be a source of pain rather than joy at the time, it eventually produces the tranquil fruit of righteousness in those who are educated by it.
So work on strengthening your sagging hands and shaky knees. Make straight paths for your feet so that what is lame might be cured rather than dislocated.
Proverbs 14:30 says that a peaceful mind provides life to the body, but envy causes the bones to rot.
Proverbs 3:7-8 Do not be intelligent in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil; this will give your flesh and bones health and strength.
1 Corinthians 11:31 So, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for God's glory.
If you needed any more proof that living a healthy lifestyle is the way to go, hopefully this article has done so.
Does God care about my physical health?
And because He made your body, He is concerned about it. He designed it to be as healthy as possible. Not to live for health's sake or to make it a god unto itself, but to utilize it to fulfill the purpose He has for you.
Coming to this position of utter surrender begins with the realization that God is not a segmented box in your life, but rather a fiber. The most powerful strand that is weaved into every aspect of your existence. He is a personal God who resides within you, rather than an external God.
God despises being confined to a box. And those boxes you've made have no actual value in life. Everything is in sync with one another. That is, there is no distinction between job and health, God and health, or family and God. Everything is, once again, in sync.
Of course, compartmentalizing things gives you a false sense of control, but compartmentalizing your life does the same. It is robbing you of the freedom that God desires for you.
So perhaps it's time to toss the boxes. To focus on what you can control rather than surrendering to the one who is in charge. Allow God to saturate every cell of your body with His love so that you can live a transformed life.
He cares about your health and wants to be a part of it. We must see him everywhere and devote all to him. Allowing God to be God and God alone.
How does spiritual health affect physical health?
Spirituality encourages you to explore your inner world, allowing you to connect with yourself and those around you on a deeper and more meaningful level. The strong need to connect with people is essential for maintaining mental wellness. Your body and mind are inextricably linked. Spiritual practices can help people build strength and reduce the impacts of depression and other mental illnesses, which can have an impact on their physical health.
Dealing with a chronic illness, pain, or handicap can be stressful, and depression is common as a result. Spirituality can assist in coping with illness-related stress. In a 100-person study at the University of Alabama Medical Center in Birmingham, 95 percent of patients who were scheduled to undergo heart surgery said they used prayer, and 70 percent said it helped them cope with the obstacles of surgery. Furthermore, researchers looked into Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and its impact on loneliness, concluding that MBSR “may be an unique therapy technique for reducing loneliness and related pro-inflammatory gene expression in older persons.”
What does the Bible say about taking care of yourself physically?
First, I'd like to explain why self-care is so vital. Many individuals are troubled by this concept, believing it to be selfish or wicked. As believers, though, we have been entrusted with a mission.
You are the salt of the earth, but how can salt regain its saltiness if it has lost its taste? It can no longer be used for anything other than being tossed out and trampled underfoot.
Matthew 5 emphasizes the importance of having our faith and purpose reaffirmed on a regular basis. We've come to be a source of light for the rest of the globe! As a result, my first argument is that we must be spiritually fed in order to achieve our goals.
Feeding our souls with the Word should be our number one self-care activity. The Bible is a living Word that provides us with the strength and power we need to endure challenges, setbacks, and burdens.
Seek First the Kingdom of God
As a result, I advise you to be unconcerned about your life, what you will eat or drink, or your physique, what you will wear. Isn't there more to life than food, and the body than clothing? Take a look at the birds of the air; they don't sow, reap, or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you far more precious than they are? Is it possible for any of you to add a single hour to your life by worrying?
“And why are you so concerned about your clothing? Take a look at how the field's blooms develop. They don't have to work or spin. Even Solomon, in all his brilliance, was not clothed like one of these, I assure you. Will God not clothing youyou of little faithin the same way that he clothed the grass of the field, which is here today and will be thrown into the fire tomorrow? So don't be concerned about the question of “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” Because the pagans seek all of these things, and your heavenly Father knows you require them. But first seek his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.
This passage's final verse succinctly summarizes the core practice of self-care. “First and foremost, seek His Kingdom and righteousness.” Why? Because then all of life's requirements are given to you for free! Food, drink, clothing, and assurances of safety and care are all necessities. These are some of the blessings that God bestows on individuals who seek His kingdom.
So, how do we go about seeking His kingdom? We dive into the Bible! I believe we often overcomplicate Christianity. It's a lot easier than we make it out to be. We will have a lamp unto our feet if we read God's Word, and it will lead us through difficult times. Start with self-care in God's word to ensure that you have a solid foundation.
What God says about healthy living?
Everything changes when you include God in your healthy eating plan. Striving to respect Him in your food and drink choices will not only improve your heart, but also your decisions.
Food used to be divided into two categories for me: “reward foods” and “punishment meals.” I saw everything that tasted delicious as a reward (tater tots, Nutty Bars, potato chips, and ice cream).
I believed anything that was beneficial for me veggies, whole grains, and so on to be a punishment. Because I'm overweight as a result of my poor eating habits, I have to force myself to eat these items.
But what if all food, both good and not-so-healthy, could be consumed for God's glory? What if you took Him into account when you went grocery shopping, portion sizes, and calorie counting? What if you went down to dinner every night with a grateful heart for the plate in front of you, understanding that eating is a way to care for the body God has given you?
What does God say about exercise?
Those who hope in the Lord, on the other hand, will be strengthened. They will fly like eagles; they will run and not tire, and they will walk without fainting.
“One of the most prevalent reasons for not exercising is “I'm too tired.” It's very understandable! There are numerous reasons to be exhausted, whether you are single, married, retired, or a young mother.
Food and fitness are two topics that a lot of people are interested in these days. Our meals in America are extremely unhealthy, and our lifestyles are too sedentary. A growing number of people are overweight, out of shape, and in poor physical and mental health (the two are linked!).
Take a look at these important Bible scriptures about eating and fitness. (Bill Gaultiere's original post)
“Dear buddy, I wish for your good health and that everything goes well for you, even as your soul progresses” (3 John 1:2).
“The LORD will always lead you, watering your life when it is dry and keeping you healthy. You'll be like a well-watered garden, like a spring that never runs dry” (Isaiah 58:11, NLT).
“Do you realize that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit resides within you? God will punish anyone who destroys God's temple, because God's temple is sacrosanct, and you are that temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
“Do you realize that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit, whom you have received from God and who is within you? You were not born free; you were purchased for a price. As a result, with your body, honor God” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
“When you go out to dinner with a powerful person, remember to keep your manners: don't eat with your mouth open, and don't converse with your mouth full. And don't overeat; keep your appetite in check.” (MSG, Proverbs 23:1-3)
“Do not be concerned about anything; instead, present your requests to God through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving. In Christ Jesus, the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds” (Philippians 4:6-7).
“Don't be concerned about your life, what you'll eat or drink, or your body, what you'll put on. Isn't life more valuable than food and the body more valuable than clothing? Take a look at the birds of the air; they don't sow, reap, or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you far more precious than they are? Who among you can add a single hour to his life by worrying?” (Matthew 6:25-27).
“But Daniel vowed not to pollute himself with the royal food and wine, and he sought permission from the chief official to do so… ‘Please put your staff to the test for 10 days: just give us veggies to eat and water to drink.' Then compare our appearance to that of the young men who consume royal cuisine, and treat your staff accordingly.' They appeared healthier and more nourished at the end of the 10 days than any of the young men who ate the royal diet” (Daniel 1:8, 12,13,15).
“I moved to a different village. “As they walked along the street…” (See Luke 9:56-57a.)
“While strolling in the countryside, Jesus appeared to two of them in a distinct guise” (Mark 16:12).
“Remember that everyone runs in a race, but only one person receives the prize. You must also sprint in a way that ensures your victory. All athletes maintain a high level of self-control. They do it to win a prize that will vanish, while we do it for a prize that will last forever. As a result, I run directly to the goal, each stride deliberate. I'm not like a boxer who throws too many punches. I treat my body like an athlete, training it to accomplish what it's supposed to do. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'll be disqualified after preaching to others” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, NLT).
“Daily spiritual exercise is required no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gym are beneficial, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit today and for the rest of your life.” MSG (1 Timothy 4:7b-8).
“‘I can do anything,' says the narrator, but not everything is beneficial. ‘Anything is permitted for me,' I say, but I'm not going to be ruled by anything… As a result, respect God with your body.” (See 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 20b).
“The route to life is a disciplined life; if you reject correction, you'll be lost forever” (Proverbs 10:17, MSG).
“He who works his land will have plenty of food, while he who pursues illusions will be lacking in judgment” (Proverbs 12:11).
“All hard effort pays off, but idle talk only leads to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23).
“Don't become drunk by drinking too much wine, and don't get fat by eating too much food. Drunks and gluttons will wind up in a coma and clad in rags on skid row.” (MSG, Proverbs 23:20-21)
“Two can defend themselves, even if one is overpowering. A three-stranded cable is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
“Search me, O God, and see what is in my heart; test me and see what is in my mind. Look into my heart to see whether there is any offensive path in me, and lead me on the road that is everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
“As a result, confess your sins to one another and pray for each other's healing. A decent man's prayer is powerful and effective” (James 5:16, NIV).
“We will grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ, by speaking the truth in love. As each portion fulfills its task, the whole body, connected and kept together by every supporting ligament, expands and builds itself up in love from him” (Ephesians 4:15-16).
“To summarize, friends, I believe you will be best served by occupying your brains and concentrating on things that are truthful, noble, reputable, authentic, persuasive, and gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse” (Philippians 4:8, MSG).
“When you've developed a strong desire for God, you've been blessed. Matthew 5:6, MSG) says, “He's food and drink in the nicest dinner you'll ever consume.”
“People require more than just nourishment to live; they must consume every word of God” (Matthew 4:4b, NLT).
“Don't make a show out of it when you exercise some appetite-suppressing discipline to help you focus more on God. It may make you a minor celebrity, but it will not make you a saint. Act normal outwardly if you'go into training' inside. Brush your teeth, shampoo and comb your hair, and wash your face. God does not necessitate the use of attention-getting methods. He won't ignore what you're accomplishing, and he'll reward you handsomely” (Matthew 6:16-18, MSG).
“We implore you, brothers and sisters, to warn the lethargic. Those who are afraid should be encouraged. Take special care of people who are vulnerable. Always be patient with others.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14, New Living Translation).
“Each person should put his or her own deeds to the test. Then he can be proud of himself rather than comparing himself to others” (Galatians 6:4).
“A windfall at the start is no guarantee of good fortune in the end” (Proverbs 20:21, MSG).
“Meanwhile, friends, patiently await the arrival of the Master. Farmers do this all the time, patiently waiting for their prized crops to mature while the rain does its slow but steady work” (James 5:7, MSG).
How does God want us to take care of your body?
Can we serve Him at our best if our minds are hazy from not getting enough nourishment for our bodies?
It is not about vanity to take care of our body! That's what the media is trying to convince us of. Because it is written in His word, we take care of our bodies. We are to make a living sacrifice with our bodies. Our bodies have been given to us in order for us to fulfill His task. A healthy body provides us with the energy to carry out God's mission. Taking care of our bodies as Christians is taking care of the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
What does the Bible say about health and healing?
“Heal me, Lord, and I'll be healed; save me, and I'll be saved, for you're the one I praise.” “And everyone tried to touch him since he was radiating strength and curing them all.” “But, declares the Lord, I will restore your health and heal your wounds.”
Is spiritual health more important than physical health?
Wellness entails more than just physical fitness, exercise, and diet. It's the complete combination of one's bodily, mental, and spiritual health. Wellness has several components, and each one interacts with the others to contribute to our overall well-being.
Spiritual health includes compassion, the ability to love, forgiveness, altruism, joy, and contentment. A person's spirituality is defined by their religious faith, values, beliefs, principles, and morality. Meditation, prayer, affirmations, and other spiritual routines that encourage a connection to God, a higher force, or a belief system are examples of spiritual wellness. Successful spiritual health efforts in the workplace require mutual respect for differences.
“No cure that fails to engage our spirit can make us well,” Victor Frankl said. Allow me to repeat this for our purposes: No WORK can satisfy us unless it engages our spirit. Spiritual well-being is essential for finding meaning and purpose in life. Many people get into medicine because it fulfills their sense of meaning and purpose to help others. Maintaining a sense of meaning and purpose is essential for long-term health and job happiness. Every human being, whether of faith, religion, or non-belief, has a deep yearning for purpose.
Resilience, engagement, energy, loyalty, creativity, generosity, retention, and satisfaction are all enhanced when people are appreciated and nourished. Customers who come across such businesses become similarly loyal.