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As followers of Jesus, we often talk about growing spiritually—praying more, studying Scripture, deepening our faith—but we rarely talk about another crucial part of discipleship: our physical health. Yet, to live as healthy disciples who reproduce healthy disciples, we must learn to steward not only our spirits and souls but also our bodies.

When Scripture calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, that includes the physical. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NLT) that “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit… You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” The Greek word Paul uses for “temple” refers to the Holy of Holies—the most sacred place where God’s presence dwelt. In other words, your body is not just flesh and bone; it’s holy ground.

We are tenants in a body God has loaned to us. It’s not ours to abuse or neglect—it’s His, to be used for His glory. If we neglect our physical health, we risk shortening our days and limiting our ministry. Put simply: you can’t disciple others if you’re dead.

The Apostle John expressed this beautifully: “Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit” (3 John 1:2, NLT). God’s desire is that we would be wholly healthy—spiritually and physically—so that we can live long, fruitful, and influential lives.

This isn’t about vanity; it’s about longevity. We take care of our bodies not to gain a six-pack but to give God our best for as long as possible. Our goal should be to live long enough, and strong enough, to leave a godly example for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

So how do we do that?
It’s not about chasing lofty goals—it’s about forming consistent habits. As someone once said, “Successful people do consistently what normal people do occasionally.” We can’t fix decades of bad habits overnight, but we can make progress daily.

Here are three simple habits that can change your life:

  1. The Steps Habit – Be intentional about moving daily. The average Canadian walks about 4,800 steps a day, but 7,500 steps is considered active. Walk with purpose—take a prayer walk, call a friend, or listen to a sermon while moving. You can’t get fit in a day, but you can get fit daily.

  2. The Workout Habit – 1 Timothy 4:8 says, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better.” Notice that—physical training is good! Exercise doesn’t need to be extreme; even 30 minutes of moderate activity 4–5 times a week can make a difference.

  3. The Monitoring Habit – Be mindful of what you put into your body. Like a high-performance car, the quality of your fuel determines your performance. Eat with moderation, get enough rest, and treat your body as the valuable temple it is.

Finally, remember the why. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) reminds us, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD… ‘plans to give you a hope and a future.’” God’s plans for you are filled with purpose—but He’s also entrusted you with the responsibility to steward your body so you can fulfill them.

When you take care of your body, you’re not just strengthening your muscles—you’re sharpening your mind and refreshing your spirit. Exercise and good habits don’t just add years to your life; they add life to your years.

More years. More energy. More impact.
That’s what it means to live as a healthy disciple of Jesus.