Every day, we are BOMBARDED with messages from medical doctors and the media about making healthier lifestyle choices — particularly in areas of nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
Perhaps, we have heard the warnings so much that we have become desensitized, as statistics still point to alarming rates of disease and declining health. These facts are no different in the church, which has been largely non-expressive about the matter. As Christians, we are called to steward or care for, our physical condition… Few things would make the enemy happier than seeing believers so bound with sicknesses that we aren’t able to fulfill our divine purposes.
So how can we step up our health STEWARDSHIP game?
1. Rethink health on God’s terms.
Among God’s many attributes, He is our Healer, Creator and Great Physician. He intricately designed our bodies, and embedded purpose into every part — similar to the way we play a part in the body of Christ.
God cares about our health and bodies and wants us to become better stewards of both so we can accomplish the good works He has called each of us to do.
- “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:20-23).
- “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10).
- “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, for God bought you with a high price. So, you must honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Your body is a beautiful gift from God, the place in which His Holy Spirit dwells. The way we treat the gift is an expression of how we feel about the Giver. [1]
2. Find your “why.”
Knowing why we do what we do, and believe what we believe are essential motivators to progress in health stewardship. Become aware of the subtle nudges from the Holy Spirit, to challenge the understanding of our bodies and how well we take care of them. From what we eat, to what we put on it, and so much more!
Several health challenges can serve as a wake-up call for us to begin doing something different. But, change is not always easy.
Putting our faith in God in a way we never had to before, will help open our eyes to the bigger picture. As a result, our “why” can become rooted in God, the Healer, and His purpose for our lives. It is rooted in a call to advocate for health from the inside out. If believers pray for the manifestation of healing, which is rightfully ours according to 1 Peter 2:24, we need to know how to steward that healing and not re-invite sickness by our actions.
As we aim to mature in our stewardship, God will refine us, call us out of our comfort zone, and cause us to re-learn many foundational concepts we need to overcome. We know that He loves us and has all wisdom and that we can trust His leading!
If we are not sure “why” we should make changes to improve our health, we can ask our Heavenly Father for guidance. Next, we should write our “why” down and keep it close. It’s okay if it evolves over time … Knowing our “why” will ground us in sticking to health stewardship goals.
3. Change your diet, change your life.
Eating too much of the wrong foods, such as sugar-rich and processed foods, can wreak havoc on our health. This also increases our susceptibility to illness and other challenges. The answer to the health crisis starts with a choice.
We have to begin making wiser food choices, it’s as simple as that. [2]
Consuming more nutrient dense foods, such as a broad variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, in our diets is the best way to optimal health. [3] Nutrient-dense foods are real, unprocessed, and offer vital components our bodies need. We want to avoid processed foods filled with synthetic ingredients.[4] We can start by filling our plates with at least 70 percent phytonutrient-rich, colorful, non-starchy veggies. Also, choosing grass-fed, pasture-raised meats when possible.[5]
As always, we should stay hydrated by drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. While these are only a few initial tips to get started, eating more whole foods and cutting out processed foods can have a big impact on our health! Depending on your unique situation, we may need to consult with a medical professional to determine how strict our diet should be.
Live in health and live in purpose!
Find your why, Change your diet, and change your life.
As men and women who want to live intentionally for God, we should have a desire to be healthy enough to do all that God is calling us to do for His Kingdom. Take a moment to reflect on the thought and detail God put into designing our bodies, and all of their functions.
How much then should we aim to be a better steward of it and the portion of health that God has blessed each of us with?
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