Many people make New Year’s resolutions to be healthier, either mentally or physically. Whether your goal is to eat more vegetables or to start going to therapy, the goal of your resolution is likely to be a better version of yourself.
Being healthy encompasses more than just having low cholesterol or reaching a certain number on the scale.
But bettering yourself can be a slippery slope. It’s easy for it to become an idol—something you value more than your relationship with God.
With that being said, many pieces of Scripture support being healthy in mind and body.
Paul writes, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
And again, Paul says, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. What we put into our bodies, including food and drink, matters. How we take care of our minds matters. When we are physically and mentally healthy, we are honoring God with the bodies He has given us.
And when we are physically and mentally healthy, we can better serve our neighbors. Here are a few ways that being healthy allows you to serve others!
Physical Health
If you’re physically healthy, you will better be able to serve your neighbor. This isn’t to say that you can’t serve your neighbor if you aren’t where you want to be physically, but being physically healthy does have many proven benefits.
For example, if you are eating more vegetables and less sugar, you will have more energy. That energy can be used to do a variety of activities that could help serve your neighbor in one way or another:
- Volunteer with a local organization
- Play with your kids at the park
- Go on long walks with a friend or your spouse
- Help a friend move
Mental Health
I can speak from experience and attest that when your mental health suffers, your relationships suffer—with your family, friends, and co-workers. It’s so important to take care of your mental health, whatever you’re struggling with right now. It’s important to know when to seek professional help. There’s no shame in going to therapy or taking medication.
When your mental health is being effectively managed, either on your own or with the help of a therapist or medication, you can better serve your neighbors. You’ll have more capacity to care for others:
- Taking care of your children
- Listening to your friends
- Loving your spouse
- Working hard at your job
In addition, when you are mentally healthy, you will likely find it easier to be physically healthy as well! Depression and anxiety can lead to exhaustion and overeating, which can affect your physical health over time.
I pray that as you continue in the year, you reach your goals to be physically and mentally healthy so that you can better serve others. These things have no bearing on your faith, your relationship with God, or your status as a saved child of God. You are loved by God no matter what, and you can honor God by taking care of the body He has given you!
Scripture: ESV®.
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