How to Be Healthy by Knowing Whose You Are

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, 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. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

Did you ever borrow something extremely valuable? Most likely, you took excellent care of the item until you returned it to the owner. For example, celebrities wear borrowed jewelry on the red carpet, where jewelers hope to capitalize on the publicity. They lock the gems up and guard them at all times. My favorite is the custom-made pendant, a nod to the Heart of the Ocean necklace, made famous in the film Titanic and worn by Gloria Stewart at the 1998 Oscars.

Know Whose you Are

In the same manner, our bodies are on loan from God. He knew us before we were born and created us for our unique purpose.

It is our responsibility to manage well what God gave us to use while we are on earth, and one very important item God gave us is our bodies. As a result, we are accountable to God for how we treat our bodies. 

Love your body

As a child, I never enjoyed sports or any physical activity. Instead, I spent my time reading, playing with my chemistry set, or looking at bugs under a microscope. As I grew up, I lost my baby fat, but still felt pudgy.

I recall looking in the mirror as a teenager; I still saw that chubby little girl. Even though pictures of myself then reveal a normal-sized young woman.

So began the merry-go-round of one diet after another, losing weight and gaining it right back once the diet ended. Eat less, exercise more, right? That’s all you have to do. I felt like a failure.

However, I finally realized God created our bodies in His image, and God does not make mistakes. I admit it is difficult to love my body when wrinkles appear, stubborn “love handles” won’t go away and the numbers on the scale creep up no matter what.

But our bodies are on loan from God until we get new bodies in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1 NLT). I can’t wait for that glorious day! Until then, we must love and care for our bodies. 

Dedicate your body to God

The apostle Paul writes, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, 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” (Romans 12:1 NIV). 

In the Bible, the Israelites repeatedly sacrificed animals to God according to the laws of the old covenant, or agreement, with God.

Because of sin, we do not deserve God’s mercy and grace. But God established a new covenant by sending His Son to earth to die to pay the price for our sin.

Since Jesus was the final sacrifice for us, God asks us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice—to dedicate our entire lives, including our bodies, to Him.

God created us to love and serve Him, draw others to Him, and give Him honor and glory. Therefore, if we know whose we are, we dedicate our bodies to God.

Take the first step

Why do we make excuses instead of eating better, exercising, and getting enough rest? Excuses merely focus on the obstacles to good health instead of the benefits. The obstacles aren’t as daunting when we have a powerful reason.

When you know whose you are, it’s a lot easier to stop making excuses and take the first step to a healthy lifestyle. Remember, I said it’s easier—but I confess I still make excuses. Maybe I would rather skip my workout or eat some ice cream (my favorite dessert). Or maybe both!

However, when you know whose you are and why you are taking care of your body, you are transformed (Romans 12:2 NIV). Our bodies are not for our own gratification, but to serve, honor, and worship God.

Martin Luther King said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Take the first step on the journey to wellness and see what happens. Even if you don’t see the whole staircase. 

Final words

Love and take care of your body by dedicating it to God. Begin the journey to wellness by taking the first step because you are worth it.

You are worthy not because of your own goodness, but because God bought you at a high price by sending His Son to die for you.

So, what next step will you take to start your journey to wellness?