As Christians, when we hear of stewardship, it’s easy to go to the parable of the talents and reflect on the gifts and assignments that God has given us. That is very accurate and what we should be thinking about. But what if I told you that stewardship also applies to our health?  Our bodies have been created by God for a purpose – to house our spirit man and reconnect with Him, exhibiting His will in the earth. Our physical health impacts our spiritual walk.  They are connected. If we make poor health choices, it can impact how well we can be present in the spiritual battle. Likewise, if we are not connected with God in our spiritual walk, it may lead to harmful choices affecting our bodies. Let’s take it to Scripture:

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God 2 Corinthians 7:1 NKJV

Here, we are reminded of God’s desire for us to be holy as he is holy. All of our choices matter – what and how we eat, who we surround ourselves with, commitments we make, and so forth. Our quality of life matters to God and we should see the connection of our mind, body and spirit to all be in obedience to God.

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are god’s 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV

When we give our lives to the Lord, we become a new creation by faith. By the grace of God and working of His Holy Spirit, we can see things differently, such as how to honor God with our bodies, not just with moral choices. Unfortunately, over the years, this has not been taught at large in the American church. Thankfully, a shift has begun to take place where people are starting to see the connection between wellness of the body and of the spirit.  As a whole, it is finally coming to mainstream what has been known and resounded for many years – that culture and society has been riddled with poor health choices, especially in what is being called ‘food’ these days and it has left the population at large sick and in perpetual cycles of illness and brokenness. Those influences have largely leaked into the church. While this feels grim and despairing, I believe there is hope. It really takes a shift in mindset to begin to see that food is fuel and not just something to satisfy a craving or a taste. Those cravings and tastes arise because they were introduced at some point. But that, too can change for the better.

For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer 1 Timothy 4:4-5 NKJV

Now, for health reasons, there are some foods I choose to avoid due to reactions, as many others can relate. However, when I see this verse, what sticks out to me is “every creature of God.” There are so many substances that have been created by humans and called ‘food,’ but are in fact harmful to the body and become false gods to many. The food industry has deceived the public largely for profit, not to actually improve anyone’s health. It’s time for us to return to the word of God and use discernment when deciding what food is good for us. If what GOD has created is good and to be set apart by His word and prayer, then we need to turn to Him as the source of all we need. What has HE created that HE desires for us uniquely?

It is of the enemy to deceive and manipulate in this hour, these last days, so that God’s people are too sick to fight, too distracted to engage, too critical to be discerning.

The goal of good health is to exercise toward godliness (1 Tim. 4:7,8). What we choose in the natural determines our spiritual strength. The less we rely upon fleshly desires, the more spiritually determined we will be. What are our goals? Are we focused on looking good or feeling and being healthy? Are we desiring to just be satiated by what tastes good or by what truly fuels and satisfies?

Godliness carries weight – the promise of the life that now is AND that which is to come.

THIS is what we need to be teaching and laboring towards – teaching godliness and righteousness as a priority instead of our own desires and instead of avoiding the subject altogether. Keeping our heart clean is connected to keeping our body healthy.  Being a faithful steward of our health is honoring God with our bodies, so that what we take in will benefit us and not harm us. I acknowledge that some of these unhealthy behaviors are taught and for a time we do not know any better; however, there comes a time when the light comes on and a change needs to take place. Thankfully, there is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1) and we have the promise of the mercy of God as we come to Him for guidance with a repentant heart. If there are choices you have made that you are looking to make changes, take time to pray and ask Him for guidance. These are some general direction steps I can give you today:

• Choose whole foods instead of ultra-processed;
• Hydrate with purified water and ditch the beverages with artificial sweeteners and additives;
• Be sure you get a healthy source of protein, fat and fiber with every meal;
• Keep moving every day by getting a 15–30-minute brisk walk.

These are just a few tips that can help you on your journey. God has so many good plans for you! Don’t lose heart, keep pressing toward the goal of godliness and choose faithful stewardship!

Pastor Rachel