Exercise and diet are hot topics in today’s world.
From fitness routines to eating plans, it seems like everyone has advice on how to stay healthy.
But what does the Bible say about exercise and diet?
Does God care about how we treat our bodies?
Surprisingly, the Bible does offer wisdom on this topic, and while it may not provide specific workout plans or meal prep tips, it offers principles that can guide how we approach physical health.
Let’s explore what Scripture says about taking care of our bodies through exercise and diet.
Our Bodies Are Temples of the Holy Spirit
One of the most important teachings the Bible gives about our bodies is that they are temples of the Holy Spirit.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?
You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
This verse reminds us that our bodies are not just physical shells—they are places where the Holy Spirit dwells.
Because of this, we are called to honor God with how we treat our bodies.
This includes making choices that reflect care and respect for our physical health, such as exercising and eating well.
The Importance of Moderation
When it comes to diet, the Bible emphasizes the importance of moderation.
While the Bible doesn’t provide a strict list of foods to eat or avoid, it does warn against overindulgence.
Proverbs 23:20-21 says, “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
This verse encourages us to be mindful of our eating habits and not to overdo it.
Gluttony—overeating or indulging excessively—is discouraged in Scripture because it shows a lack of self-control.
Instead, the Bible promotes balance and moderation in all things, including what we eat.
Exercise as Part of Stewardship
Exercise is another area where we can honor God by taking care of our bodies.
While the Bible doesn’t directly mention working out or going to the gym, it does talk about the importance of being good stewards of what God has given us—including our bodies.
In 1 Timothy 4:8, Paul writes, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
This verse acknowledges that physical exercise has value, though it emphasizes that spiritual health is even more important.
Still, caring for our physical health through exercise is one way we can be good stewards of the bodies God has entrusted to us.
The Role of Self-Discipline
Both exercise and diet require self-discipline.
Whether it’s sticking to a workout plan or making healthy food choices, self-discipline plays a key role in maintaining physical health.
The Bible speaks highly of self-discipline and encourages us to develop this trait.
In 1 Corinthians 9:25-27, Paul compares the Christian life to an athlete’s training.
He writes, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
In this passage, Paul highlights the importance of self-discipline, not only in our spiritual lives but also in caring for our physical bodies.
Just as an athlete trains with purpose, we too can approach exercise and diet with intention, recognizing that self-discipline helps us honor God with our bodies.
The Biblical View on Food
The Bible has much to say about food, and while it doesn’t promote a specific diet, it does offer guidelines for healthy living.
In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites dietary laws that were designed to keep them healthy and set them apart from other nations.
For example, in Leviticus 11, God outlines the types of animals that are considered clean and unclean for eating.
While Christians are not bound by these Old Testament dietary laws today, these guidelines show that God cares about what we eat and that food plays a significant role in our well-being.
In the New Testament, we see that Jesus emphasized the importance of spiritual health over dietary restrictions.
In Mark 7:18-19, Jesus says, “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?
For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.”
Here, Jesus was pointing out that our spiritual condition is more important than what we eat, but this doesn’t mean that diet is unimportant.
It’s still essential to make wise choices about food, focusing on eating in a way that sustains and nourishes our bodies.
Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline
One aspect of diet that the Bible highlights is fasting.
Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food for a period of time, usually for spiritual purposes.
Throughout Scripture, fasting is shown as a way to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, and humble ourselves before Him.
In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches about fasting, saying, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting.
Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
While fasting is not necessarily about physical health, it does involve controlling what we eat and practicing self-discipline.
Fasting can also help reset our relationship with food, reminding us that our dependence is on God, not just on the physical nourishment we receive from food.
Caring for Your Body as a Form of Worship
The Bible shows that caring for our bodies through exercise and diet can be a form of worship.
Romans 12:1 encourages believers to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
This verse shows that how we treat our bodies is connected to how we worship God.
When we make choices that honor our physical health, we are also honoring God, who created us.
Whether it’s eating foods that nourish our bodies or exercising to stay strong and healthy, these actions can be done with a heart of worship, recognizing that our bodies are a gift from God.
Avoiding Idolatry of Physical Fitness
While exercise and diet are important, it’s essential to remember that they should not become idols in our lives.
In today’s culture, it’s easy to become obsessed with physical appearance, fitness routines, or dieting trends.
However, the Bible warns against making anything—even good things—into idols.
In 1 Timothy 4:8, as mentioned earlier, Paul reminds us that “physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things.”
This verse encourages us to keep a balanced perspective.
While caring for our physical health is important, it should never take the place of our spiritual health.
Our ultimate goal is to honor God, not to pursue physical perfection.
The Connection Between Physical and Spiritual Health
The Bible shows that there is a connection between our physical and spiritual health.
When we take care of our bodies, it can positively impact our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
For example, regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy levels—all of which can help us feel more focused and engaged in our spiritual lives.
In 3 John 1:2, the apostle John writes, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”
This verse shows that physical health and spiritual health can go hand in hand.
When we are physically healthy, it can enhance our ability to serve God and others more effectively.
Trusting God in Our Health Journey
Ultimately, the Bible encourages us to trust God in our health journey.
While we should make wise choices about exercise and diet, we also need to remember that our bodies are in God’s hands.
In Proverbs 3:5-6, we’re told to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
This includes trusting God with our health.
Whether we’re struggling to maintain a balanced diet, trying to stick to an exercise routine, or dealing with health challenges, we can trust that God is with us every step of the way.
He cares about our physical and spiritual well-being and will guide us as we seek to honor Him with our bodies.
Final Thoughts
So, what does the Bible say about exercise and diet?
While it may not give specific instructions on workouts or meal plans, it offers valuable principles for taking care of our bodies.
The Bible reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to honor God by caring for them through exercise, a healthy diet, and self-discipline.
At the same time, the Bible encourages us to keep a balanced perspective, ensuring that our physical health doesn’t become an idol.
By trusting God and seeking to honor Him with our bodies, we can approach exercise and diet as part of our spiritual journey, growing closer to Him in the process.