The Five Pillars of Health – PHYSICAL
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.”
Psalm 139: 13-14
Fearfully And Wonderfully Made
Our bodies are AMAZING!!! They contain between 30-37 TRILLION cells. These cells make up various tissues, organs, and structures which subsequently form complex and intricate systems that work together to keep us alive. Like the psalmist said, each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made.
As with all gifts received by our Creator, we are to be faithful stewards of what He entrusts to us this side of heaven. Therefore, our body and physical health are no different. Our body, which houses our whole SELF, is more than a mass of cells. It requires care and maintenance. We should not idolize them, but we cannot ignore them, either.
Psalm 139:16 says, “…Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Pursuing physical health, I believe, cannot add days to our life, but contributes to the quality of it. We CAN prevent certain diseases and ailments by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Remember, we are integrated beings. Our thoughts, emotions, the way we relate to others, and ultimately the capacity to love and serve God are all impacted by our physical health, and vice versa.
Spiritual Act of Worship
Our motivation for pursuing physical health should not be based on reasons of vanity or pride. The Bible warns us many times that youth and beauty fade. Rather, as believers, we should use our bodies to honor and worship God. This involves discipline, sacrifice, and intentionality as the following verses show:
- Romans 12:1 NIV – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
- I Corinthians 3: 16-17 ESV – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.“
- I Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV – “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.”
- 1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV – “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV – “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
- 2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV – “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:4 NIV – “…each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.”
Healthy to Serve
Our bodies are the vehicle God has given for us to live out our faith and fulfill our purpose. Are we pursuing our physical health, so we have the strength and energy to do all He has called us to? Will we deny the sinful desires, cravings, and temptations of the flesh and surrender to the pursuit of holiness? Do we care for our own physical needs so we can love others as ourselves?
“If we are temples of God, we must do nothing that shall alienate ourselves from Him, or corrupt and pollute ourselves, and thereby unfit ourselves for His use.”
Matthew Henry
Physical Health Defined
Physical Health and wellbeing are not measured by weight alone, but also by how well our organs and bodily systems function. Our cells are constantly working-consumption, assimilation, and elimination of toxins and waste are ongoing. Yes, a healthy weight and fitness level are important, but there are other factors. The goal is to maintain an environment where these physiological processes can happen unhindered and as effectively as possible. The result will be energy, endurance, strength, vitality, and a feeling of wellbeing.
Our bodies possess an innate ability to repair and heal. We need to learn how to support these cellular processes and recognize the symptoms that signal something is amiss. These messages are the way our body tells us something needs to change or may even need medical intervention. When we ignore them, we become physically unhealthy.
Being Real
I am no health expert, nor do I claim to have a level of physical fitness and health that is ideal. Graciously, I have reached the decade of “the big 50” and have come to understand that being healthy really is more than what people can see! Now, I pursue health and fitness not to look a certain way, but to FEEL a certain way. Balance and moderation across all the health pillars are key. I am learning to steward the body God gave me–not someone else. Yes, there are changes that remind me: I am not 20 years old anymore. I may be slower and have more aches or pains, yet…I am healthier & stronger overall than I was back then.
The truth is our bodies are not shielded from the effects of sin. There is disease, decay, and death. Still, every individual can achieve their own version of physical health, despite disease, genetic disorder, disability, or age. We may not be able to control certain factors impacting our physical body. (In fact, these “thorns of the flesh” can be opportunities for us to rely on God’s all-sufficient grace…becoming strong in our weakness.) However, we can control our choices. Each and every day we get to decide whether or not we will pursue a healthy lifestyle.
“Health is much more dependent on our HABITS and NUTRITION than on medicine.”
John Lubbock
Healthy Habits
Small, incremental changes do make a difference over time. J.W. Goethe, a German poet and writer said, “Everything is hard before it is easy”. So let’s talk about a few core aspects of healthy living that we should focus on, in order to improve our overall well-being.
DIET & NUTRITION
We all know that we should eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, but why don’t we? Hippocrates said over 2,500 years ago, “Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”. Everything we ingest either provides the fuel required for our cells to function properly or causes a build-up of toxins in the body. Substance abuse; tobacco use; alcohol, sugar, or caffeine in excess; and the overuse of medications all contribute to toxicity levels within the body. And of course, too much healthy fuel will lead to health problems as well.
Unfortunately, our “food” nowadays is quite different than it was back in Hippocrates’ day. We have genetically altered, overly processed, chemical laden, and nutrient deficient options. The pursuit of mass production, convenience, and long shelf-life has replaced the clean, whole, and real food that the body requires and is able to process. We have abandoned the dining room table for the drive-thru line and forgotten that food really comes from the farm and not a factory. So I want to encourage you, eat more REAL food. Prepare home-cooked meals with your family. Make dietary choices that will be beneficial to your overall health. Even if you live by the 80-20 rule. (80% healthy, 20% unhealthy). Being intentional in this area can have a huge impact.
“Real food doesn’t have ingredients. Real food IS ingredients.”
Jamie Oliver
Staying properly hydrated aids the cellular processes, as well. Our bodies are 60% water and is the medium through which ALL bodily functions occur. The daily water recommendation for an adult is at least 8-10 glasses of pure water per day.
EXERCISE
Our bodies were created for movement. The American Heart Association says, “Physical activity boosts mental wellness. Regular physical activity can relieve tension, stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. You may feel a good sensation immediately following your physical activity, and most people also note an improvement in general well-being over time as physical activity becomes a part of their routine.”
The recommendation for adults is to get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or some combination of both. Find exercise you ENJOY. This makes a big difference on the days you do not want to! Be mindful of listening to your body as you exercise; modify if you have to. Look to incorporate strength-training, balance, and flexibility exercises, too.
We do not have to be “athletic” to be active. Be creative in how you incorporate physical activity- park farther away, use the stairs instead of elevators, or simply do some tasks around the house using good old-fashioned elbow grease. Small bursts of activity throughout the day can be as beneficial as a 30-minute workout.
PERSONAL HYGIENE & REGULAR MEDICAL CHECKUPS
The adage, “Cleanliness is next to godliness” does hold weight. Regular hygienic practices and routines are conducive to maintaining health and help prevent the spread of germs. This includes practices for the body, home, and food. Try to use natural products as much as possible. Likewise, regular examinations provide opportunities for early detection of disease.
ENVIRONMENT
Make your home a sanctuary. Be careful of the chemicals you clean/garden with; the materials you bring into your home; and the quality of air you breathe. Plants are a great way to filter the air inside your home. Sunshine and being outdoors are important for overall health, too. However, beware of pollutants and too much sun exposure that can damage our skin and eyes. We also may need to limit our exposure or even avoid people who are not healthy for us to be around.
REST
Relaxation, recovery, and sleep are as important to our health as food and physical activity. Simply relieving tension can be healing. Prolonged periods of stress cause physiological, mental, and emotional changes that are detrimental to our health. We need to make more of an effort to incorporate times of rest and stillness in our lives. Maybe we need to simplify our schedules. It is for our good.
Sleep is when our body goes through the many processes of recovery and repair. Brain cells reorganize; emotions regulate; immunity gets boosted; weight is maintained; and our energy is restored. How much sleep is required depends on age, but the general recommendations for adults are between 7-9 hours.
The Bible records at least two times when the disciples found Jesus sleeping and thought He should be “doing”. It was also His habit to often withdraw, to be still and commune with the Father. Jesus said in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
Earthly Tent vs. Heavenly Home
Despite all our efforts, the truth remains that one day physical death will come. Our earthly bodies are temporary. The apostle Paul called them tents. Tents are not permanent homes. According to 2 Corinthians 4 & 5, he says we are outwardly wasting away, but inwardly being renewed day by day to “an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”
The Tabernacle was where the presence of God dwelled among the Israelites. It was the temporary place for atonement until Solomon built the temple. However, Jesus tore that temple veil through His death and resurrection and has secured our eternal promise. Now EVERY believer houses the Spirit of God in their own body. Yet, HALLELUJAH– there is something better to come! One day we will see our Savior face to face, and He will make all things new…including our broken and aging bodies.
“…He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.”
Philippians 3:21