Many Christians are unconcerned with the body – that is, the physical flesh. Perhaps it is because the Bible says that it is corruptible, and we will receive a new, incorruptible body. Perhaps it is because the only thing the Bible says about physical training is that it is only of some benefit compared to spiritual training (1 Tim 4:8). I want to make a case for why Christians most of all should care for their bodies and health to a certain degree.

The body is a blessing, and it is a part of us. The beginning of our existence was with a body, and we will continue throughout eternity with a body, albeit a different body. Science has repeatedly shown the connection of the mind and the body and how they each depend on the other. Neglecting the care of your body is a lack of stewardship of an immense blessing God has given to you. It is a shame to take something so powerful and wonderful for granted, as there are many who are not blessed with a fully functioning body yet are thankful for what they can do.

There is an even greater reason to care for your body — the body is a tool you can use to help others. Our motivation to stay healthy through diet and exercise is so that we can have greater freedom to help the church and community. We are more useful if we can lift heavy objects, walk around without feeling exhausted, and are not hindered from gospel-sharing activities due to self-caused health complications and general lack of fitness. Finally, if you keep yourself healthy, you have higher chances of living longer to serve God and your brothers and sisters on this earth. You could even be active in your later years!

Lest we overcorrect, let us not be like those people who are overly concerned with the body because they are vain. We do not need a six-pack or billowing biceps or dietary snobbery to be pleasing to God or useful to others. These are often more to please our ego and vanity. Take the middle path, the path of wisdom, that seeks bodily health – even bodily excellence – for the sake of helping humanity.