A Christian Approach to Health and Wellness: Godliness the Foundation

TL;DR:

This blog addresses the idolatrous obsession with health and fitness perpetuated by a multi-billion-dollar industry, offering a perspective that true health and wellness can be achieved by pursuing godliness rather than chasing fleeting trends or falling for expensive regimes and protocols.

It is important to note that this blog does not discourage anyone from pursuing physical health, professional athletic careers as a vocation, or physical therapies for specific health conditions. Instead, it seeks to highlight that a balanced, godly approach to health leads to a more fulfilling, sustainable, and holistic lifestyle.

Biblical principles and wisdom drawn from the Bible is undoubtedly the best principles out there for human flurishing and wellbeing — be it social, work-life, ethics, family, relationships, and even the care of our bodies, (which the scripture describes as temple of the Holy Spirit), we can turn to the word of God for answers and guidance.
On the topic of bodily discipline and exercise, the Scriptures explicitly reference several verses:

1 Timothy 4:8: "For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."

1 Corinthians 9:27: "But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

Romans 12:1: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Ephesians 5:29-30: "For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body."

1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

It is evident that God places significant importance on bodily discipline and care. Therefore, it is crucial not to neglect or abuse our bodies with unhealthy lifestyles and gluttonous food indulgences. Instead, we are admonished to nurture functional bodies to be useful vessels for God.

Jim Elliot, a Christian missionary to the Auca tribe of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest and martyr, was passionate about athletics. When asked why he was so interested in athletics, he responded:

Jim Elliot - "I do not wonder that you are interested in the question of athletics, for I am myself. And I must say that I have been greatly helped in my Christian life by the discipline and the training which I received on the athletic field. I believe that athletics can be a wonderful means of developing Christian character, and I believe that the lessons learned on the athletic field can be of immense value in the Christian life."

Jim Elliot also wrote:

"I want to be a burning and a shining light, and I want my life to be a useful sacrifice to the Lord."

In order for us to function as useful vessles in the hands of God and carry out our lives purpose and calling - we have to steward and nurture a healthy lifestyle and it is a non-negotiable aspect for a Christian to lead healthy lifestyle that supports our mission of fruitful labour for the Lord. But in this blog - I am calling out our attention to another problem our world is seeing in relation to excessive focus on health and wellness - to an extend that we are turning body care and fitness obsessions to an idolatrous degree - than as a means to steward it for leading a functional life for God.

Here is little bit of state of affairs as to where the fitness & wellness industry stands as of today

The fitness and wellness world, once considered a niche pursued by professional athletes, Navy seals & defence personnels, and other high performance individuals for achieving physically challenging goals pertaining to their respective sports, or special military operations is no longer an exclusive thing to only such people. What was once known only pursued by these categories of people is now very common, accessible by all, and commoditized. Fitness apps, gym memberships are sky rocketing. Diet formats like carnivore, Keto, paleo, and their many variants driven by science are undoubtedly showing significant benefits for population health.

However, this shift has also led to a growth in an idolatrous and obsessive fashion in many cases, where people follow these trends to enhance human performance and longevity to the extent of even trying to escape mortality itself. This has often turned into a culture of excessive self-love. A recent Netflix documentary, Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever, profiles Bryan Johnson, an eccentric rich lifehacker, showcasing this idolatrous pursuit of eternal youth and life. People has defined way of life and almost religious and some cultish way how certain proponents and groups has evolved around health & wellness. This includes exclusive clubs and retreats to try different expensive supplements & detox protocols, therapies and practices - which are an overkill if you objectively look at them - the reason for the billion dollar industry this has turned out to be. Plant medicine, CBDs and Mushroom based experience seeking & recreational drugs - all symptomatic of pursuit of self-love, seeking for new dopamine highs and excessive indulgence and almost defining new ways of life and pursuits of peace and success. There are enshrined guru's and leaders in this space with a growing follower base. They market their new findings and experiences and practices through their social media channels like instagram and facebook - and has answers to all lives problems and growing their fan/follower base.

These are all symptomatic of man's pursuit for peace and wellbeing - in itself is not bad, but issue is we don't need all this expensive and exogenous triggers to lead a happy and content life.

The Rise of the Fitness and Wellness Industry

The fitness and wellness industry has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, primarily fuelled by the shortcomings of modern medicine in addressing health holistically. Modern allopathic medicine often focuses on playing with bio-chemistry of the isolated pathology in question rather than always taking a holistic approach to treating the root cause that can potentially bring about complete reversal and healing & restoration of the system as a whole. This approach can create a vicious cycle of side effects and lifelong dependency on medication. But our modern urban lifestyles, environment, proliferation of packaged non-real foods etc has forced allopathic treatment protocols to be the only viable option for chronic diseases and conditions.

In contrast, the wellness and functional medicine space—(though less studied and funded as of now)—has shown promise in disease reversal and achieving health through lifestyle, dietary changes, and supplements, by looking at the problem of health and wellbeing from a first-principles lens, rather than the allopathic approach of addressing the disease pathology biochemically, with modern medicines and interventions. This alternative approach aims to heal and reverse chronic conditions rather addressing the root cause than manage them indefinitely. I have personally benefited from adopting a fitness and dietary program, which led me to create my online platform, intuneliving.me.

The Godliness Perspective: A Blueprint for Lasting Wellness

While the fitness industry may captivate us with promises of quick fixes and aesthetic perfection, its methods often leave us chasing fleeting results. On the other hand, practices rooted in godliness offer a sustainable and deeply fulfilling alternative—a lifestyle that nourishes both the body and soul.

The Wisdom of Moderation

One of the fundamental principles of godliness is moderation, which extends to every facet of life, including health. The Bible teaches that self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, is integral to our growth and well-being. In practical terms, this means mindful eating: consuming food that sustains rather than overindulging in what pleases the palate momentarily.

Modern fitness culture often promotes overindulgence—not just in protein shakes, pre-workout supplements, and rigid calorie counting but also through the widespread availability of hyper-palatable processed foods. These foods are engineered to deliver instant gratification, dissolving quickly in the mouth and overriding the body’s natural satiety signals, often leading to overeating.

In contrast, consuming real, whole foods encourages a more mindful and satisfying eating experience. The principle of “drink your food and eat your drinks” underscores the importance of chewing food thoroughly until it’s nearly liquid, which aids digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and helps the body recognize when it’s truly full. Similarly, sipping liquids slowly, as if “eating” them, supports better hydration and digestion.

Feeling satiated is not about eating until you're stuffed but about consuming just the right amount to nourish the body—typically around 70-75% fullness. This approach allows the body time to register satiety and prevents overeating. When combined with mindful chewing and an intentional focus on whole foods, it creates a sense of satisfaction that goes beyond physical hunger, leaving you energized rather than weighed down.

By rejecting the instant gratification of processed, hyper-palatable foods and embracing thoughtful, moderate eating habits, we honor the body God has entrusted to us, supporting both our physical health and in carrying out our God given purposes and vocations of life.

Rest as a Discipline

In today’s relentless pursuit of productivity, rest is undervalued—both by the fitness industry and society at large. Godliness, however, places rest and rejuvenation at the heart of a balanced life. Rest is not just about physical recovery but also about spiritual alignment. Practices like deep breathing and proper hydration become acts of worship when done with the intention of stewarding the body that God has given us.

Box breathing, for example, calms the nervous system and promotes clarity of mind, reinforcing that health isn’t just about high-intensity workouts or tracking every calorie but about cultivating peace within, so that we can be effective vessels useful for the Lord.

Breathe to Sleep: How Long Exhales (thru the mouth) Trigger Vagus Nerve Calm - Andrew Huberman:
"If you wake up in the middle of the night and you’re more alert than you want to be because you want to fall back asleep, try some long exhales through your mouth. This slows your heart rate. It’s a hardwired circuit that works the first time and every time. Long, deliberate exhales slow your heart rate via a specific circuit from a known brainstem nucleus through your vagus nerve. We can thank the amazing Jack Feldman from UCLA for much of our understanding of the brain circuits that control breathing and heart rate."

Purpose Beyond the Mirror

Fitness often emphasizes external transformation: building muscle, shedding pounds, and meeting societal ideals of attractiveness. Godliness, by contrast, shifts the focus inward. It reminds us that our purpose is far greater than achieving a number on a scale or a certain body-fat percentage. Instead, our mission is to glorify God in all that we do, whether it’s how we care for our bodies, how we work, or how we nurture relationships.

This perspective brings freedom. When our health habits are grounded in godliness, we find balance rather than obsession. We no longer feel the pressure to meet external expectations but are instead motivated by a desire to honor God with our choices.

A Holistic Approach to Movement

The fitness industry often pushes extremes—marathon-level endurance or hours of weight training. While physical activity is important, godliness teaches us to find joy in movement that strengthens without exhausting. Practices like walking, light strength training, or even household chores can be seen as opportunities to care for our bodies while being mindful of our limits.

Excessive exercise, while often promoted as beneficial, can push the body beyond its limits, leading to fatigue, injuries, and the accumulation of harmful byproducts in the body. Over time, these residues can become toxic, undermining the very health such routines aim to build. In contrast, godliness emphasizes stewardship of our bodies—a balanced approach that prioritizes care, wisdom, and intention. As temples of the Holy Spirit, our bodies are to be nurtured and respected, not overworked or strained unnecessarily. This perspective encourages sustainable practices that promote long-term health and vitality, rather than short-lived extremes that risk wear and tear.

Eating with Faith in a Broken Food System

In today’s modern world, where food sources are often uncertain and the production processes largely industrialized, it can be overwhelming to think about what we’re really consuming. From farm to fork, the journey of our food is complex and sometimes questionable. Even labels like "organic" or "natural" don’t always guarantee purity or safety. For many of us, growing our own food might seem like the only sure way to know what we're eating—but realistically, that’s not always possible or practical.

As believers, however, we have a unique and powerful alternative: faith and prayer.

We are called to practice wisdom and moderation in all things—including eating. Being mindful of how much we eat, slowing down during meals, and aiming to fill our stomachs only to about 70% are all helpful and practical ways to care for our bodies. But beyond these physical practices, we are also spiritual beings with access to the divine.

The Bible encourages us to pray at all times (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and that includes before we eat. When we bring our food before God in prayer, we acknowledge His sovereignty over even the unseen. We may not always know what’s in our food or where it’s come from—but we do know who our Provider is. We can ask God to bless our meals, to protect our bodies from harm, and to make our food nourishing regardless of its origin.

This isn’t just about spiritual ritual—it’s an act of trust. It’s a way of saying, “Lord, I don’t know all the details, but I know You. I trust You to sustain me.” In a world marred by sin and broken systems, God can still work all things for our good—even our food.

Let’s not forget: food is also meant to be enjoyed. God created us with taste buds and the ability to delight in flavors. A good meal after a long day can be a beautiful reminder of His goodness and provision. So as we eat with awareness, let us also eat with gratitude and faith—trusting that God, who knows all things, is more than able to take care of us.

Conclusion: Living the Difference

The contrast between the fitness industry's approach and the practice of godliness is beautifully summarized in 1 Timothy 4:8: “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” Physical exercise has its benefits, but when pursued solely for outward appearances, personal gains, or the fleeting adrenaline rush, it falls short of true fulfillment. Fitness should never become an end in itself. Instead, it should serve as a means to the greater purpose of godliness—enhancing our ability to serve God, steward our bodies, and live with discipline and intention.

In today’s culture, fitness often thrives on the temporary highs of intense workouts, competition, and the validation of external achievements. While these may provide momentary satisfaction, they leave us dependent on cycles of overexertion, burnout, and the constant pursuit of more. In contrast, Christ offers us a lasting, deeper strength through the Holy Spirit—one that sustains us in every season of life. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” This strength is not fleeting or dependent on physical exertion but is rooted in a spiritual power that transforms and uplifts us.

When we approach fitness with the intention of glorifying God—caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and equipping ourselves to fulfill His purpose—it becomes more than just bodily training. It becomes an act of worship, discipline, and stewardship. The next time you consider your fitness routine, ask yourself: Is this about seeking temporary gratification, or is it about equipping myself to live a godly life?

When fitness is aligned with godliness, it nourishes more than just the body; it nurtures the soul and fulfills our eternal purpose. This approach provides lasting health, peace, and purpose—a lifestyle that benefits not only this present life but also the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8)

1 Corinthians 10:31: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Disclaimer:

This blog is not intended to discourage anyone from pursuing healthy physical goals, professional atheletic careers as vocation or pursuing physical therapies for particular health conditions.