Faith and Fitness: What the Bible Teaches About Health and Wellness

As Christians, we are called to honor God in every aspect of our lives—our thoughts, our actions, and even how we care for our physical bodies. Yet too often, we neglect this. We forget that our bodies are not ours to misuse or ignore.

The Bible is clear:
‘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; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.’ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

This truth challenges us to see health and fitness not as vanity or a chore but as worship. God created us fearfully and wonderfully (Psalm 139:14), knitting us together with purpose and design. Our bodies are gifts—vessels to serve Him, love others, and fulfill the calling He has placed on our lives.

Here at Transformed Temple, we don’t just focus on physical health. We believe that transformation happens when we align mind, body, and spirit—working toward physical strength, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.

By prioritizing your health, you’ll have the energy to lead, serve, and live out God’s plan for you. You’ll be equipped to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Luke 10:27), becoming the best version of yourself for God’s glory.

This journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, honoring God step by step with your choices. Because He designed you. He called you. And He cares about your WHOLE being—spirit, soul, and body.

So let’s begin this journey together. Let’s transform your temple to glorify Him in all that we do.”

Our physical health (body) is affected by our mental/emotional health (Mind) and our Mental/emotional (mind) health is affected by our spiritual health. Caring for our physical body certainly makes sense because each of

“For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that fully well.”

Psalm 139:13-14

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that fully well.”

This verse speaks to the intentionality of God in our creation. Every cell, organ, and function in our body was purposefully designed by Him. When we recognize that our bodies are “wonderfully made,” it leads us to gratitude and awe. It also carries the responsibility to steward this gift well. Neglecting our health or mistreating our bodies dishonors the intricate care God took in forming us. By staying fit and healthy, we reflect the glory of His creation and honor the unique design He gave each of us.

Psalm 19:1-2

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”

Isaiah 43:6-7

“Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

These verses show that all of creation, including humanity, exists to glorify God. Our bodies are part of that creation, and their purpose is to bring Him glory. When we are healthy and fit, we are better equipped to fulfill His purposes, whether it’s serving others, spreading the gospel, or simply showing the world the joy and energy that come from living in alignment with God’s will. Taking care of our physical health is a way to reflect His goodness and creativity.

Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7, 18-25

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…'”
“Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”

Being made in God’s image means that every aspect of us— mental/emotional (MIND) spiritual, and physical—has significance. Our physical bodies are a reflection of His divine nature, and He gave them to us as tools to live out His mission on earth. By caring for our health, we respect the image of God in us and position ourselves to be effective in fulfilling His work.

Luke 10:27

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.”

This verse calls us to love God holistically—with every part of who we are. “Strength” includes our physical bodies. If we are physically unwell or lack energy, it becomes harder to serve Him fully. By prioritizing fitness and health, we ensure that we have the strength to worship Him, love others, and live out His commandments with vitality.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

“May the God of peace himself make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This verse emphasizes the interconnectedness of our spirit, soul, and body. God calls us to be sanctified in every aspect of our being, which includes our physical health. To be “preserved blameless” means to honor Him in how we live, think, and care for ourselves. Physical health supports spiritual and emotional well-being. A strong, healthy body enables us to serve God more effectively and fulfill His purposes with energy and endurance. This verse reminds us that caring for our physical body is part of preparing ourselves to meet Christ.

Romans 12:1-2

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Offering our bodies as a living sacrifice means dedicating every part of ourselves—physical included—to God’s service. This is not a passive act but an intentional effort to align our actions, habits, and health with His will. By refusing to “conform to the pattern of this world,” we resist unhealthy choices, such as neglecting our physical well-being or prioritizing temporary pleasures over long-term health. Renewing our mind includes adopting a godly perspective on health and fitness, recognizing that our bodies are tools for worship and ministry.

1 Corinthians 6:13

“The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”

This verse reminds us that our bodies were created for a higher purpose: to serve and glorify God. While Paul specifically addresses sexual purity in this context, the principle extends to how we use and care for our physical bodies in general. Our bodies belong to the Lord and should be treated with dignity and respect. Health and fitness matter because they enable us to fulfill our God-given roles and avoid the distractions of preventable illnesses or physical limitations.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

Paul uses the metaphor of an athlete in strict training to highlight the importance of self-discipline in the Christian life. Just as athletes commit to rigorous physical training to win a temporary prize, Christians are called to discipline themselves to pursue an eternal reward—faithfulness to God and the ultimate joy of being with Him.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“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; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

This verse reminds us that our bodies are sacred because they are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Just as the ancient temple was cared for and treated with reverence because it represented God’s presence, our bodies should be cared for with the same level of respect. This includes how we nourish, move, and maintain them. Since we were redeemed by Christ’s sacrifice, we belong to Him. Honoring God with our bodies means using them to glorify Him, whether through physical strength to serve others, energy to live out His purpose, or self-control to avoid harmful habits. Fitness and health are not just personal goals—they are acts of worship.

In physical fitness, discipline is essential for progress. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and consistent rest require self-control and focus. These same principles carry over into our mental and spiritual lives. Physical discipline can foster:

1. Mental and emotional resilience – Learning to push through challenges in fitness can teach us perseverance in our walk with Christ.
2. Consistency – Just as consistent training leads to physical improvement, consistent spiritual practices like prayer, Bible study, and worship strengthen our relationship with God.
3. Delayed gratification – In fitness, results take time and effort, teaching us patience and faith, which are essential in pursuing spiritual growth and godly goals.

Paul’s teaching reminds us to run our spiritual race with intention and purpose. Similarly, when we commit to physical fitness with discipline, we learn to focus on long-term rewards rather than short-term discomforts. This habit of self-control can inspire discipline in other areas of life, such as relationships, time management, and personal holiness.

Physical fitness becomes a training ground for building the kind of discipline needed to live a life that honors God. It teaches us to say no to unhealthy choices and distractions, helping us focus on what truly matters—the eternal prize of God’s glory.

“Why should I worry about my health and fitness?”

1. Health and Fitness Amplify Your Ability to Serve Others

When you are physically healthy, you have more energy, strength, and stamina to care for your family, serve your community, and fulfill your God-given purpose. Jesus emphasized loving and serving others (Matthew 22:39; John 13:34-35). Poor health can hinder your ability to be fully present and effective in the roles God has entrusted to you.

2. We Are Stewards of God’s Gifts

God has given each of us time, talents, and physical bodies as gifts to steward. Stewardship is a biblical principle (1 Peter 4:10; Matthew 25:14-30) that extends to how we care for our health. By neglecting our health, we risk wasting the resources God has given us. Taking care of your body allows you to maximize your impact for His kingdom.

3. Physical Fitness as a Witness

The way we live reflects our faith to others. When you demonstrate self-control, discipline, and gratitude through your health choices, you can inspire and witness to others about God’s role in your life.  (Matthew 5:16). Healthy living can spark conversations about faith, purpose, and the God who designed you.

4. Avoiding Hindrances to Your Calling

Unhealthy habits can lead to illness, fatigue, or limited mobility, making it harder to fulfill the calling God has placed on your life. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders.” By prioritizing fitness and health, you remove unnecessary obstacles and equip yourself to live out God’s mission for you with full capacity.

5. Your Body is a Tool for Worship

Worship isn’t confined to singing or attending church—it’s in everything we do (Colossians 3:23). When we move, eat, and live intentionally, we glorify God. A fit, healthy body enhances your ability to express worship physically—whether serving, kneeling in prayer, or even praising Him with strength and endurance.

6. Health Affects Your Spiritual Life

Physical health impacts your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Poor health can lead to stress, fatigue, and distraction, which can interfere with your ability to connect with God and grow spiritually. Taking care of your body supports a clear mind and a focused spirit, enhancing your relationship with God.

7. Gratitude for God’s Creation

When we care for our health, we demonstrate gratitude for the incredible design of our bodies (Psalm 139:13-14). Gratitude is an essential part of our faith journey (1 Thessalonians 5:18). By caring for ourselves, we honor the Creator and show that we value the gift of life He has given us.

8. Avoiding Idolatry or Laziness

Neglecting your health can be a form of laziness, while obsessing over fitness can become idolatry. The Bible calls us to avoid both (Proverbs 6:6-8; Exodus 20:3). Instead, we are called to maintain balance and seek to glorify God through intentional, disciplined care for our health.