SpiriseBible
Temple Maintenance: Honoring God Through Health and Self-Care
Your body is God's temple. How do we balance self-care with service? Let's explore biblical wellness through real-life scenarios.
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" - 1 Corinthians 6:19 (KJV)
Rachel is exhausted from serving at church, work demands, and family responsibilities. She hasn't exercised in months and survives on coffee and fast food.
Rest Is Not Rebellion:
"And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while..." - Mark 6:31
Jesus modeled the rhythm of work and rest. Self-care isn't selfish; it's stewardship.
Biblical Wellness Wheel
Physical
Exercise, nutrition, sleep - honoring the body God gave you
Mental
Renewing your mind, managing stress, learning and growing
Emotional
Processing feelings, setting boundaries, seeking joy
Spiritual
Prayer, worship, fellowship - connecting with God
David knows he should eat better but struggles with emotional eating and lack of discipline.
David's Food Journal & Prayers
Ate: 3 donuts at the office
Feeling: Stressed about deadline
Prayer: "Lord, I'm eating my feelings again. Help me turn to You instead of sugar."
Ate: Oatmeal with fruit
Feeling: Peaceful after morning prayer
Prayer: "Thank You for this nourishing food. Help me honor You with my choices today."
Ate: Entire pizza while watching TV
Feeling: Lonely and bored
Prayer: "Father, forgive me. Fill the emptiness I'm trying to fill with food."
Food and Faith:
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31
Every meal is an opportunity to practice gratitude, moderation, and mindfulness.
Sarah is struggling with depression but fears that seeking help shows lack of faith.
Your Temple Maintenance Plan
Morning
Start with prayer
Healthy breakfast
5-min stretch
Midday
Lunch away from desk
Brief walk
Gratitude pause
Evening
Tech shutdown
Reflection time
Adequate sleep
Biblical Self-Care Examples:
- Elijah: Slept and ate when depressed (1 Kings 19:5-8)
- Jesus: Withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16)
- Daniel: Chose healthy food for strength (Daniel 1:12)
- Paul: Acknowledged physical limitations (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- Schedule and protect 30 minutes daily for physical activity
- Replace one unhealthy meal with a nourishing alternative
- Go to bed 30 minutes earlier for better rest
- Practice saying "no" to one overcommitment
- Thank God for your body, despite its imperfections
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." - 3 John 1:2 (KJV)
Remember:
God cares about your whole being - spirit, soul, and body. Taking care of yourself isn't vanity; it's good stewardship of the life He's given you. You can't love others well if you're running on empty.
