Why Christians Should Prioritize Their Health
Many Christians struggle to prioritize their health for various reasons. Some view it as self-centered or vain, while others believe it is solely God’s responsibility. Many feel they are simply too busy with important spiritual and practical duties to make time for physical well-being. However, by confronting these misconceptions and recognizing the spiritual, physical, and relational benefits of good health, we can adopt a balanced approach that honors God and enriches our lives. In this post you’ll learn how to overcome these common misconceptions and honor God with your health.
Health is not just about vanity or selfish ambition; it is a gift and responsibility. When we prioritize our well-being, we can better serve God and others, live with more energy and joy, and fulfill our God-given purpose with longevity and strength. Let’s explore the common reasons Christians neglect their health and how we can overcome these challenges.
Reason 1: Believing Health is Self-Seeking
One of the most common reasons Christians neglect their health is the belief that focusing on physical and mental well-being is inherently selfish. This mindset often leads to an overemphasis on spiritual practices while devaluing the physical body. People may think, “Why spend time exercising when I could be worshipping or serving others?” or “God cares about my spirit, not my body.”
While spiritual health is vital, neglecting physical health undermines our ability to live out our spiritual calling effectively. Activities like serving others, leading worship, and sharing the Gospel are all enhanced when we are physically and mentally healthy. When we care for our bodies, we demonstrate gratitude for the incredible creation God has entrusted to us.
How to Overcome
Understand How Your Health Benefits Others
God designed us as whole beings—spirit, mind, and body—and cares about every aspect of our health. When we neglect one part of ourselves, it impacts the others. Scripture teaches us to be led by the Spirit, not by the flesh or the mind alone, but that does not mean we should ignore the body.
Prioritizing your health is not self-seeking. It is an act of stewardship that allows you to better serve those around you. When you have more energy, mental clarity, and physical strength, you can pour more into your family, ministry, and community. Recognizing the fruit of good health in your relationships and service can help shift your mindset from guilt to purpose.
Reason 2: Being Self-Seeking
Ironically, another reason some Christians neglect their health is self-centeredness. This typically occurs when people prioritize their own desires—such as indulging in unhealthy habits or avoiding discipline—over what is best for themselves and others.
Pride, a root of self-centeredness, often manifests in two ways regarding health:
- Neglecting Health for Comfort or Instant Gratification – This includes indulging in unhealthy foods, avoiding exercise, or dismissing health as unimportant.
- Focusing on Health for Vanity or Superiority – This group may prioritize fitness but for shallow reasons, such as wanting to look better than others. This approach often leads to neglecting other aspects of health, such as mental and spiritual well-being.
Both extremes reflect an inadequate view of health. One prioritizes temporary pleasures, while the other elevates appearance over purpose.
How to Overcome
Be Renewed in Your Mind
Romans 12:1-3 offers a powerful reminder to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. This requires transforming our mindset to align with His will. When we view health as a way to honor God and steward His creation, we can escape the traps of selfishness and vanity.
Renewing your mind involves daily surrender to God’s purpose for your life, including your physical health. When you view your body as a tool for service rather than an object of pride or neglect, you will find balance and motivation to prioritize your well-being.
Reason 3: Believing Health is Vain
Philippians 3:8 says, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Some Christians interpret this to mean that physical health is trivial or vain compared to eternity. While it’s true that eternal life is our ultimate hope, this life still holds incredible value.
Paul’s words emphasize the importance of focusing on Christ, but they do not dismiss the significance of our time on earth. This life is where we grow in faith, serve others, and share the Gospel. By caring for our bodies, we equip ourselves to make the most of the opportunities God has given us.
How to Overcome
Recognize the Importance of Longevity
Health and longevity are gifts from God. Psalm 91:16 promises long life to those who love and follow Him. A longer, healthier life allows us to serve more effectively and fulfill our God-given purpose. Caring for your health is not vain—it is an act of stewardship that enables you to glorify God through a longer, more fruitful life.
Reason 4: Thinking Health is Solely God’s Responsibility
Another misconception is that health is entirely God’s responsibility. While God is our provider and sustainer, He also calls us to partner with Him in caring for our bodies. Just as an earthly father desires his children to make wise choices, God wants us to take responsibility for our health.
God provides us with strength, wisdom, and resources, but He does not force us to act. Neglecting our health and expecting God to intervene without effort on our part is a misuse of His grace.
How to Overcome
Recognize Your Responsibility
Understanding that you have free will—and that it can align with or oppose God’s will—is crucial. Choosing to prioritize health is a way of submitting to God’s design and purpose. By caring for your body, you honor Him and demonstrate maturity in your faith.
Reason 5: Feeling Too Busy
For many Christians, busyness is the biggest obstacle to health. Between church activities, serving others, family responsibilities, and careers, it’s easy to feel there’s no time for exercise or healthy eating.
Proverbs 18:9 warns, “He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer, and he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide.” AMPC Neglecting your health is akin to neglecting your life. No matter how busy you are, failing to care for your body will ultimately limit your ability to serve others.
How to Overcome
Make Health a Priority
To overcome busyness, start small. Research recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise per week—just 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Simple activities like brisk walking, jogging, or weight training can make a significant difference.
Motivation comes from recognizing that health is essential, not optional. When you understand that good health benefits your family, ministry, and personal well-being, you will find the time and discipline to make it a priority.
Conclusion: Embrace a Balanced Approach
Prioritizing health is not selfish, vain, or unspiritual—it is a vital part of honoring God and serving others. By addressing misconceptions and taking personal responsibility, we can adopt a Christ-centered approach to health that aligns with God’s purpose for our lives.
Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Caring for it allows you to serve wholeheartedly, love generously, and live with energy and joy. Don’t let busyness, misconceptions, or pride hold you back. Take the first step today and embrace the abundant life God has planned for you.
References
American Heart Association. (n.d.). AHA Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV).
The Holy Bible, Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC).
