Biblical reasons for being healthy

What does the Bible say about a healthy mind and body? Here are just a few.   

1. We are God’s holy temple. God wants us to take care of it.
2. Having a healthy body honors God.
3. It’s being a good example to other people.
4. Being healthy in mind and body means having more energy, experiencing clearer thinking, and a more abundant life.
5. You can change! What we believe determines our actions.

We are God’s holy temple

Do you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? This is one area that I neglected in my life.  Unhealthy eating habits, including missed meals because I got too busy, or eating convenient foods that were fast but not nutritious, I neglected God’s temple in me.

”Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, ²⁰ for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NLT)

 

Having a healthy body honors God

Whether you eat or drink, live your life in a way that glorifies and honors God, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Honoring God also does not mean that we need to be legalistic about what we eat. However, fueling our bodies with proper nutrients and nutritionally cleansing (intermittent fasting) of toxins is essential.  Many of the foods that we buy at the grocery store are being treated with pesticides, fungicides, and hormones. Food is just one source of toxicity entering our bodies.

So, “whether you eat or drink, live your life in a way that honors God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, The Passion Translation).

Having a healthy mind and body is being a good example to others

Be a good example to others. “Look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

When we are healthy, people want what we have. No one looks at someone who is overweight, weak and tired, or scatterbrained and says, “Hey, I want to be just like them!” On the contrary, when I want to be like those who look healthy, and mentally and spiritually alive. Are you being an example of someone who is healthy in mind and body?

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8, NIV). This scripture is meant to inspire and give hope, not condemn. When you haven’t fueled your brain with proper nutrients it’s difficult to think about what is admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. It’s like desiring to drive the full distance, but your tank is only half full. 

Being healthy in mind and body means having more energy, experiencing clearer thinking and a more abundant life

What you think is what you become. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV).

Similarly, what we eat is what we become. If you eat “healthy food”, you nourish your body and soul. Healthy food provides the right kinds of energy, clearer thinking, strengthens your body against diseases, and prolongs life. Eating “Junk food” and other unhealthy choices have the opposite effect. Unhealthy choices break down the body’s complex systems resulting in malnutrition, lack of energy, the inability to think clearly, and the inability for the body to resist disease.  Unhealthy choices are also toxic to the body, and ultimately steal the abundance of life and longevity that God intended for us.

In the last 2 months, I have made several healthy life changes, and I am already experiencing less stress, more energy, more clarity, better focus, and a better mindset. I am happier and healthier, and people are taking notice.  I was inspired to change “my normal” to a new normal after seeing a change in my wife, although one of her reasons for the change was to lose weight, it was not mine. Mine was for healthy aging and wealth. Yes, I said wealth. A better healthy mind and body has realized an amazing financial opportunity as well.   My future is looking better each day and I am empowered to make it so.

Jesus said, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” (John 10:10, AMP)  

What we believe determines our actions

Often times our picture of health is influenced by the world around us. Currently, more than 69% of adults in North America are considered overweight or obese. You may be believing that 2 out of 3 people overweight is okay. Is that the new normal?

I challenge you. Close your eyes and try to envision a picture of Jesus.  I am seeing him as muscular, energized, and highly focused. I am not seeing Him as overweight, sickly, non-energetic or foggy brained. Jesus is the opposite, he is physically, mentally, and emotionally strong even under pressure and temptation. We, however, often make choices that counter God’s pre-programmed design for our body types. Getting our appetites under control and fueling our bodies with proper nutrients is not only necessary, but biblical.

I believe the future will be better than the present and my choices will make it so. I suspect that if you also believe the same and want a deeper relationship with God, you can choose to start a journey towards a healthier mind and body.

Ask yourself the following:

1. How important is it to you to improve your health and well-being? Write your answer.
2. How important, then, is what you just wrote vital to you?
3. Then, what are some areas that need improvement? (e.g. stress, energy, belly fat, vitality, longevity, mental clarity, hunger cravings, appetite control, depression, weight wellness, regularity, endurance and overall performance, immune system, sugar addiction, etc.)
4. Now, what’s your next step?

Start by consistently declaring truths over yourself as you present yourselves a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, not being conformed to this world, but being “transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:1-2)

• I am not who my past says I am; I am who God says I am. (Steve Backlund)
• I’ve decided to honor God by making my body healthy, and my actions will radically restore my body as it was designed by God.
• I am determined to achieve a healthy mind and body
• I will be victorious.
• As I am transformed in my body, mind and soul, others will see a difference and will be encouraged to improve their well-being.
• I am committed to making my body healthy, and I will follow through with what I say I will do.

 “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” (3 John 1:2 ESV)

For the next step in your healthy mind and body journey as you co-labor with God, I would be glad to share with you some simple systems to help your specific needs.  Please feel free to message me at 908-500-6690 or email me at [email protected].

Copyright 2018 by Bill Hutzel and Peggy Castorri-Hutzel

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