Seven reasons Christians should pursue Wellness
As Christians, our pursuit of wellness and personal development is deeply rooted in our faith and the teachings of the Bible. Here are some key reasons why we should prioritize our well-being and growth:
1. Our Life is a Gift
Our very existence is a testament to God's magnificent handiwork. As the psalmist beautifully expresses, “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). Recognizing our lives as precious gifts from God, we are called to cherish and nurture them.
2. We Are Image-Bearers of God
Being created in God's image bestows upon us an inherent dignity and purpose. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). This profound truth encourages us to reflect God’s character in our lives and strive for excellence in our health and personal development.
3. We Are God’s Temple
Our bodies are sacred, serving as temples of the Holy Spirit. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). By maintaining our physical health, we honor God’s presence within us, fostering a space where His Spirit can thrive.
4. We Belong to God, Not to Ourselves
We are reminded that our lives are not our own; we belong to God. “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20). This ownership calls us to live in a way that glorifies Him, including caring for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
5. To Be of Service to Others
The more well we are, the more effectively we can serve others. Jesus emphasized the importance of servitude: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35). Serving others is a tangible expression of our faith: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18). Our wellness directly impacts our capacity to love and serve those around us.
James highlights the necessity of deeds accompanying faith: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? ... In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17). By maintaining our health, we ensure we can fulfill our calling to serve and support others: “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2).
6. Neglecting Wellness is a Sin
Knowing the right thing to do and failing to act is considered a sin: “Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.’” (John 9:41) and “It is a sin when someone knows the right thing to do and doesn't do it.” (James 4:17). Understanding the importance of wellness and ignoring it is not only detrimental to our health but also contrary to God’s will for our lives.
7. We Will Give an Account of Our Lives
Ultimately, we will all stand before God and give an account of how we lived our lives. “Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12). This accountability encourages us to live purposefully, caring for our bodies and minds, and making the most of the gifts and opportunities God has given us.
Pursuing wellness and personal development is not merely a matter of personal benefit but a vital aspect of our Christian walk. By nurturing our health and striving for personal growth, we honor God, enhance our capacity to serve others, and fulfill our calling as His image-bearers.