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. Additionally, 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.
Jeepers! With so much noise and confusion, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to stay motivated.
As Christians, we have a unique perspective on health. We understand that our bodies are not our own, but rather temples of the Holy Spirit. We are called to be good stewards of the body that God has given us, using it to glorify Him and serve others.
Ultimately, pursuing health with purpose is about aligning our physical health with our spiritual health. So how do we pursue health with purpose? It starts with understanding our “why”. Why do we want to be healthy? Is it to…
- Feel better
- Have more energy
- Be able to move without pain
- Look a certain way
- Run a marathon
- Be able to play with your grandchildren
- Have an increased healthspan
- Be there for your family
- Serve God more effectively
- Something else?
One of the ways to understand 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? When we understand our priorities, we can begin to see how our physical health fits into the bigger picture of our lives. For example, if our faith is a top priority, then pursuing better health can help us serve God more effectively, because we’ll have more energy, mental clarity, and focus. Or, if our family is a top priority, then pursuing better health can help us be there for them in the long-term, by reducing our risk of chronic disease and increasing our healthspan.
Another way to understand your why is to consider the purpose that God has for your life. We are all created with a unique purpose, and our physical health is a crucial part of fulfilling that purpose. For example, if God has called you to be a missionary, then pursuing better health can help you have the strength and stamina to serve in challenging environments. Or, if God has called you to be a parent, then pursuing better health can help you be there for your children in the long-term, by reducing your risk of chronic disease and increasing your lifespan.
Take a moment to reflect on the incredible gift of life that God has given us. With each breath we take, 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.
Understanding our why is not always easy. It requires us to look deep within ourselves and examine our true motivations. It may require us to make difficult choices or sacrifice short-term pleasures for long-term benefits. And it may require us to seek out support from others, whether it be from friends, family, or a professional.
My mission is to help my brothers and sisters attain true health, so if you need individualized support, I’m here for you and would love to gift you with a complimentary strategy session. Just click the link below to access Terri’s calendar and to schedule your session.