Do you ever find yourself caught up in the busyness of life and give in to the temptations of unhealthy foods and habits?
Do you ever feel guilty or ashamed about your physical health, or believe that it’s not as important as your spiritual health?
If you answered yes to either of those questions, you’re in good company. In today’s world, it can be all too easy to neglect our physical health. The world bombards us with conflicting, ever‑changing messages about what it means to be healthy, what we should eat, how much we should exercise, and what kind of lifestyle we should lead.
With so much noise and confusion, it can be hard to know where to start—or how to stay motivated once we do.
As Christians, we have a unique perspective on health. We understand that our bodies are not our own, but temples of the Holy Spirit. We are called to be good stewards of the bodies God has given us, using them to glorify Him and serve others.
Ultimately, pursuing health with purpose is about aligning our physical health with our spiritual health.
Why your “why” matters in pursuing health with purpose
So how do we pursue health with purpose? It starts with understanding our “why.”
Why do you want to be healthy? Is it to…
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- Feel better day to day
- Have more energy
- Move without pain
- Look a certain way
- Play with your grandchildren
- Increase your healthspan, not just your lifespan
- Be there for your family
- Serve God more effectively
- Or something else?
When we understand our own unique why, we can move beyond surface-level goals and pursue health with a deeper sense of purpose. Our why can serve as a powerful motivator, reminding us of our true priorities and helping us stick with changes when they become difficult. This is how pursuing health with purpose is different than chasing another quick‑fix diet.
Let your priorities reveal your why
One of the ways to uncover your why is to look at your priorities. What is most important to you in life? Is it your faith, your family, your work, or something else?
Scripture reminds us that, “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out” (Proverbs 20:5 NIV). When you examine your priorities honestly, you’re letting God surface those deep purposes. Then your health choices can align with what truly matters.
For example:
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- If your faith is a top priority, then pursuing better health can help us serve God more effectively, because you’ll have more energy, mental clarity, and focus.
- If your family is a top priority, then pursuing better health can help you be there for them in the long-term, by reducing your risk of chronic disease and increasing our healthspan.
Health stops being about hitting a certain number on the scale and starts being about showing up fully for what God has called you to.
Connect your why to God’s purpose for your life
Another way to understand your why is to consider the purpose that God has for your life. We are each created with a unique purpose, and our physical health is a crucial part of fulfilling that purpose. For example:
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- If God has called you to be a missionary, better health can give you the strength and stamina to serve in challenging environments.
- If God has called you to be a parent or grandparent, better health can help you be present and engaged with your children and grandchildren for years to come.
- If God has called you to serve in your church or community, better health can make it easier to say “yes” when opportunities arise instead of being held back by fatigue or ongoing health issues.
Your body is one of the tools God has placed in your hands. Caring for it is not vanity; it’s stewardship.
A simple reflection exercise
Take a few quiet moments with the Lord and ask:
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- “What have You called me to in this season?”
- “Where does my current level of health help—or hinder—me in that calling?”
- “What would be different if I had more energy, less pain, or better resilience?”
Write down whatever comes up. That list is the beginning of your why.
You don’t need a perfect, polished statement. You just need a few honest sentences that you can return to when the novelty wears off, when you’re tempted to give up, or when old patterns pull you back.
This is not a solo journey
Understanding our why is not always easy. It requires us to look inside and examine our true motivations. It may ask us to make difficult choices or to trade short‑term comfort for long‑term benefit. And often, it means seeking support—from friends, family, your church community, or a professional.
As we pursue health with purpose, we’re not meant to do it alone. We are invited to lean on God, to rely on His strength, and to walk with others who are also learning to steward their bodies well. As Paul writes, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1 NIV). Pursuing health with purpose is one way we live worthy of that calling in our bodies.
Take a moment to reflect on the incredible gift of life God has given you. With each breath, we are reminded of the miraculous nature of our bodies and our responsibility to care for them. Reflect on your why, and commit to pursuing better health with purpose—for the glory of God.
If you want help clarifying your why
My mission is to help my brothers and sisters in Christ move toward true health—body, mind, and spirit. If you sense that God is nudging you to take your health more seriously but you’re not sure where to start, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
I offer a free 15-minute consultation where we can clarify your personal why and uncover exactly what you need to do next to create the health you truly want.
If that sounds helpful, you can schedule a session here: Schedule with Terri
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