New Guard Press

“Making America Healthy Again” is about reforming more than just our food. 

If the Christian’s body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), what does it look like to care for God’s temple?  

The American health crisis has led our leaders to consider reforms in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Over 40% of the population is clinically obese, 11.1% is diagnosed with diabetes, and over 38% is prediabetic. The health epidemic and need for change is evident.

The incoming discussions surrounding diets, workouts, and daily rhythms should be centered around biblical teachings, not just nourishing our bodies. Our aim ought to be to align ourselves with the habits of stewardship outlined in God’s law. The growing concern over our health is evidence of positive strides made toward honoring our bodies as vessels of the Holy Spirit. Physical health can not be separated from spiritual health. Our motivation to “Make America Healthy Again” should come from the realization that spiritual and physical disciplines go hand in hand. 

The American method of achieving wellness is often dominated by unhealthy hyperfixations. Excessive dieting restrictions or finding one’s security in a workout regimen is a modern form of idolatry. Fitness can become something to boast in, rather than a healthy discipline.

Not only can fitness be an idol, but it can welcome new age spirituality. Some wellness programs incorporate “energy healing,” “manifesting,” and “meditation” on the self and its ability to exceed human limitations. Often, consumers are not intentionally pursuing these practices in their fitness, but they have been subtly incorporated and carry significant implications. We must care for our bodies for the glory of God, not to become gods. 

Urgent changes in our physical habits as a nation are essential. Over 121 million Americans have some type of cardiovascular disease, the average twenty to sixty-year old takes half the number of steps they should per day, and children spend six to nine hours staring at screens instead of playing outside. The number of men in the United States who are military ready from a physical fitness and health metric is at an all time low of 23%. Addressing these pressing issues requires a collective understanding and effort to strive for wellness. 

How do we care for our health?

First, by paying attention to what we consume. This looks like cooking our own meals and choosing nourishing ingredients, planning ahead and avoiding taking regular shortcuts to save time. In the long run, those shortcuts may cut our lives shorter. 

Second, by answering the question of what we are seeking to satisfy with our food and lifestyle choices. Over-restricting and obsessive dieting or their antithesis speak to a deeper crisis of craving instant gratification. We prescribe health “solutions” like pills when we should look at the root problem. 

But the question remains, what need are Americans trying to fulfill? Health routines introduce discipline, structure, and order in one’s life. Men understand that they are meant to work and reap the fruits of their labor. In caring for our health, we demonstrate that we’re not simply made for pleasure and indulgence, but stewardship. 

Instilling and maintaining good habits is a daily challenge. Transformation doesn’t happen overnight, and it isn’t supposed to either. Growth is not a transaction, but a struggle. However, the temporary discomfort ultimately brings joy and sheds light on our deepest dependencies.

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It’s cultivated slowly, in moments of weakness where active choices triumph over fleshly impulse. 

Out of love for our Creator, we must care for that which He has created. The body is meant to house holiness operating according to God’s design. We have a responsibility to steward our bodies well, which includes striving for strength, purity, and righteousness. Physical health enables us to serve one another better. We may show love to our families, future spouses, and children by modeling healthy choices to enable us to serve them for many days. 

Proverbs 27:19 reminds us that “as water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” From whole-food diets, practicing moderation, getting daily sunshine, and routine exercise, there are many ways to take care of the body that reflects the image of God. Our habits are a reflection of our priorities and strength against vice and sin. It is not an easy task, but the practice of self-discipline in wellness exhibits our self-control. In taking care of our body, through good habits, we are showing reverence to God’s creation. 

The same discipline with regard to our physical health can be applied to our spiritual health as well. Loving others like Christ has loved us, choosing time in prayer or scripture over mindless activities, and trying with each action to orient our entire lives around following God’s will and serving His Kingdom is a way to walk in accordance to His plan. Small practices build up or erode one’s character; every action matters. These acts of discipline strengthen our heart against the temptation of sin so let us not become weary in doing them. 

Wellness finds its richest meaning when we honor God’s design for our bodies and live according to the purpose He has given us. It’s more than feeling or looking good but, rather, showing our reverence for Our Creator who made us in His image.