“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

In our pursuit of spiritual growth, we often focus heavily on prayer, scripture, and worship—which are foundational. But too often, we neglect a vital aspect of who God created us to be: our physical bodies.

Friends, full disclosure, I struggle in this area. I know it’s important. If you’ve known me for any amount of time, you know I’ve lost the same weight several times over the past 20 years. It has been that long, 2 decades, since I needed to have a hysterectomy, and I have struggled with my weight ever since.

God made us as integrated beings: body, mind, and spirit. None of these exist in isolation. When one is neglected, the others are affected. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians remind us that our bodies are not our own. They are temples of the Holy Spirit. That means how we treat our physical selves is spiritual. Nourishing our bodies with nutritious food, moving regularly, getting adequate sleep, and caring for our health is not vanity—it’s worship. It’s saying to God: “Thank You for this gift. I honor You with it.”

When our bodies are well-cared for, we’re better able to show up in the world: to serve others, to stay mentally clear, to manage stress, and to pursue our callings with energy and focus. Likewise, neglecting our physical well-being can cloud our minds and burden our spirits.

Taking care of our bodies isn’t separate from our faith—it’s a part of it. It’s not about perfection but about intentionality. Small steps matter: choosing a healthier meal, going for a walk, moving instead of scrolling (if you’re like me, I can’t walk and scroll at the same time. 🤣) These moments become sacred when they’re done with the heart to honor God.

If you’re interested in morning walks in Rochelle or Oregon around the 6  to 8 a.m. time frame on weekdays, let me know! We can walk and talk Jesus and life. Happy Friday! Enjoy this beautiful weekend.