Bible Passage: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV)
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Timothy 4:7-8
When we think of self-care in Christian circles, there is often a negative connotation attached to any sort of physical improvement.
While it is true that the world tends to place an unhealthy focus on our bodies, neglecting them isn’t “more spiritual” and has far-reaching impacts across many spheres of a man’s life.
Your body is a gift entrusted to you by God, and you have the responsibility and privilege of stewarding it in a way that glorifies God. Paul reminds us that physical training has value—it’s not the ultimate value, but it’s still a very real one (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
For some men, taking care of themselves means stopping obsessing over their physique, but for many others, it means finally starting to move and get active. It’s good to sweat, to strengthen yourself, and keep fit.
You don’t need an impressive six-pack or to become a bodybuilder. You don’t need to run a marathon. But you should probably move; it’s extremely beneficial for both your mental health and your longevity.
Go for walks or lift some weights. Ride a bike or go for a swim. Play a sport or find time to stretch. Find something appropriate for your health and abilities and do it faithfully.
Exercise isn’t merely about appearance; it’s much more than that. Movement helps relieve stress, improve sleep, increase energy, strengthen the body, and even provide a healthy outlet for the pressures we carry.
But there’s actually a much deeper reason to care for yourself:
A man’s body is the instrument through which he carries out much of his calling.
You hug your children with this body. You serve your church with this body. You provide for your family with this body. You embrace your wife, help your neighbor, carry groceries, teach Scripture, build things, and serve others through what God has given you.
We’re not worshipping the body; rather, we’re stewarding it.
So eat reasonably well and get some sleep. Move regularly, and please go see the doctor when something isn’t right. Not because you’re trying to live forever, but because God has given you your body as a gift with which you can love and serve others and as a vessel to honor Him with.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the body You have given me. Protect me from vanity on one side, but also protect me from neglect on the other. Give me discipline to care for my health so that I can faithfully serve You and the people You have entrusted to me. Amen.
Reflection: What is one realistic change you could make this week to become a better steward of your physical health?
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