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It won’t take long to find a Christian-focused diet or workout book.
While Christians are saved solely by faith and grace alone, is there a valid argument for believers to live healthy lifestyles? We all know that maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a nutritious diet is good for us, but as Christians, is there even more motivation?
One of the nation’s most well-known pastors, John Piper, has constantly argued for Christians to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Scriptures seem to support Piper’s reasoning.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31”
Believers rely on this verse in 1 Corinthians for all aspects of life. The lesson is simple: whatever you do, glorify God. Using this understanding, one could propose the question: am I glorifying God in my diet?
Another verse has the power to transform a Christian’s perspective completely if they deeply reflect on its teachings.
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20”
The author of 1 Corinthians, Paul, makes a profound point about the body of Christians. It’s widely known that the Holy Spirit indwells in those of the faith. Paul urges believers to realize the significance of their bodies. Jesus Christ suffered and died for your body. Although Paul mainly talks about sexual immorality in this passage, we can still apply his teachings to taking care of our health.
Is exercise and maintaining a healthy diet good for the body? Can we bring glory to God by living a healthy lifestyle?
The answer is a resounding yes. Christians are not only the “temple” of the Spirit but also witnesses to the faith.
Piper supported his health-centered lifestyle using 2 Corinthians 5:15, emphasizing the importance of living one life for God. Combining all three verses from 1 to 2 Corinthians, it’s evident that our health is integral to the Christian life.
Indeed, in a fallen world, there is an abundance of diseases and illnesses that plague Christians. Still, it is important for us to use our time on earth wisely by exercising discernment and giving glory to God through actions like our diet and fitness routine.
The Bible does strictly condemn laziness (sluggards) and even gluttony (excessive eating and drinking). Both, of course, are forgivable trespasses. But they underline a similar point: God intends His creation to be healthy and active.
Christians are called to be the salt and light of the world. Living a healthy lifestyle glorifies God and shows outsiders that Christ is at work in every aspect of our lives. Embracing a healthy lifestyle could be seen as an apologetic tool for our faith as long as it’s motivated by and for Jesus Christ.