For many of us, worship is something we associate with Sunday mornings, gathering in beautiful sanctuaries, singing hymns, and hearing the Word alongside friends and family. Worship often starts at 11:00 a.m. and ends promptly at noon. But what if worship didn’t end when we walked out of the church doors?
Our families will often leave church and continue our “worship” at a different kind of altar: the all-you-can-eat buffet. We fill our plates a second time (or a third), celebrating abundance, yet forgetting that honoring God also means honoring the bodies He gave us.
In the same way, wellness is often reduced to diet plans, gym memberships, and maybe “an apple a day.” But Scripture invites us to see wellness differently, not just as a physical pursuit, but as a spiritual one. What if our eating habits, exercise routines, and daily choices were acts of worship?
Before Christ, God’s people offered physical sacrifices regularly in the Temple. Through Jesus, the ritual need for offerings was fulfilled, yet the principle of sacrifice remains.
Romans 12:1 offers a powerful call to action:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”
How are we supposed to present our bodies? As a living sacrifice. God doesn’t just sanctify our minds and spirits; He sanctifies our bodies too. When we choose discipline over indulgence, or stewardship over neglect, we reflect Christ more clearly. Our wellness becomes a testimony.
Imagine someone asking why you’ve committed to healthier living, and you respond: “God has given me a short time on earth, and I want to live as long and as purposefully as I can to show others His love. I need to be healthy to do that well.”
That’s worship. That’s sacrifice. That’s transformation.
Scripture offers examples of faithful individuals who honored God through their physical choices. Daniel and his companions chose vegetables and water over the king’s rich food, trusting God to sustain them (Daniel 1). Their discipline wasn’t just about diet; it was about devotion.
Paul also drew parallels between spiritual discipline and physical training: “I discipline my body and keep it under control” (1 Corinthians 9:27). These examples remind us that honoring God with our bodies is not a new idea; it’s a timeless one.
Each time you choose what you should eat over what you want to eat, you’re presenting your body to God. That hard choice becomes an act of worship. The same goes for movement, whether it’s a walk, a workout, or simply stretching with intention. These choices cost something, and they should. Sacrifice isn’t easy, but it brings blessing.
Rest, too, is part of wellness. In a culture that glorifies hustle, choosing Sabbath rest is a bold act of faith. It says, “I trust God to sustain me, even when I pause.” Take comfort in this: rest isn’t laziness, it’s obedience.
As members of a faith-based health care sharing community, we share a belief in personal responsibility for wellness, not just because it’s good for us, but because it honors God. Our bodies are temples for the Lord to dwell in, and caring for them is a sacred act.
Wellness is easier, and more joyful, in community. Whether it’s a prayer partner who checks in on your goals, a walking group from church, or a shared commitment to healthier potlucks, we can encourage one another in love. The body of Christ is made up of many parts, and when each part is cared for, the whole body thrives.
Try starting your day with a prayer for strength and discipline. Reflect on Scripture while you stretch. Give thanks before meals not just for the food, but for the opportunity to honor God through your choices.
That’s why Medi-Share created the Biblical Wellness Program. We want to support you in your wellness journey and help you stay rooted in faith every step of the way. This isn’t just another health initiative; it’s a spiritual resource designed to help you glorify God through the care of your body.
Through the Biblical Wellness portal, you’ll find tools, guidance, and encouragement tailored to your unique health goals, all grounded in Scripture. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical tips, or a deeper understanding of how wellness connects to your walk with Christ, this program is here to walk alongside you.
As you continue to worship your way to wellness, let this resource be a companion on the journey. Let it remind you that every healthy choice is a holy one, and that your body, mind, and spirit are all part of the offering.
Let your wellness be worship.
Let your discipline be devotion.
And let your life be a living sacrifice that glorifies the One who gave it.