November brings reminders not just of gratitude, generosity, and gathering, but also of the importance of health, both in body and spirit. As I am aging, I am realizing more and more each day how fragile and precious health truly is. American Diabetes & Health Awareness Month is a timely opportunity for us, as believers, to reflect on how our physical well-being is deeply connected to our spiritual walk. Diabetes is a real concern for many people and if not properly controlled, can significantly and adversely affect the quality of life.
As Christians, we recognize that caring for our health is not vanity or self-focus. It is stewardship. It is honoring God with the gift He has given us: our life, our breath and the bodies that carry us through His purpose. You are obligated by your faith to take care of yourself; mind, body and spirit.
Scripture reminds us that caring for our bodies is a spiritual responsibility, not merely a physical one. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 clearly shares, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.” (usccb.org) This passage is a powerful call to stewardship. What we eat, how we move, how we rest and the habits we form are all choices that become acts of worship. When we care for our bodies, we honor the Creator who designed them.
Health awareness is stewardship in motion. Whether we are managing existing conditions, preventing illness or taking steps to break unhealthy patterns, our efforts reflect gratitude for the sacred life God has entrusted to us.
We often treat “health” and “faith” as two separate categories, but the truth is that they are beautifully intertwined. Our physical well-being impacts our spiritual vibrancy, and our spiritual practices can strengthen us physically. When we align our life, mind, body, and spirit, we are better able to carry out the work God has assigned us. Energy, focus, clarity, and emotional balance all grow when we care for ourselves holistically.
Wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s about partnership with God. It’s about inviting Him into our habits and asking, “Lord, help me honor You with how I live today.” Each decision we make is a commitment to honoring God.
James 5:15 reminds us of the power of prayer in times of weakness: “and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.” (usccb.org) Prayer offered in faith will heal.
Prayer brings comfort, but it also brings motivation. It strengthens our resolve to care for ourselves with discipline and hope. Healing takes many forms. Sometimes it is miraculous, sometimes gradual, sometimes occurring in our emotions or mindset before our body feels the change. Whether we are facing diabetes, chronic illness, fatigue or simply the everyday challenges of aging, prayer anchors us. It connects us to God who heals hearts, bodies and circumstances.
Healthy choices are more than routines; they are spiritual practices. When you practice them regularly, they become spiritual habits. Here are some things to consider when building your spiritual habits:
Little by little, you will discover that discipline is not punishment, but it is worship. It is a form of gratitude for and stewardship of your life.
Illness, chronic conditions and aging can leave us feeling discouraged or defeated, but Scripture offers a lens of hope: “Though my flesh and my heart fail, God is the rock of my heart, my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 (usccb.org) God is the strength of your heart. He is the strength in everything we are and everything we will be.
We may grow weary. Our bodies may ache. Diagnoses may even change our routines and sometimes even our lives. But none of these diminish God’s presence or His power. Recognize that and be an example of it.
In suffering, we discover purpose. In weakness, we discover God’s strength. In uncertainty, we discover His peace. Sometimes what God heals most deeply is our fear. A friend of mine that I met through church is a great example of this. This dear lady has such severe back and neck issues that the doctors are afraid to operate on her. She was told that a bump could break her neck. Has she quit living? No. She is careful in what she does and doesn’t do as much as she used to, but she is serving others with a smile. She shares her testimony of how God has worked in her life despite her physical ailments. She is always loving, caring and cheerful to others despite her own physical issues.
What is one small step I can take this week to strengthen both my body and my spirit?
Maybe it’s:
One step is all God needs to begin something new in you. Take it today.
Healer of hearts and bodies, thank You for the gift of life. Help us honor You through healthy living and trust You in times of weakness. Strengthen our bodies and renew our spirits through Your sustaining grace. Amen.
Select your answer to see how you score.