“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
Just a few months ago I found myself staring at the bathroom scale in disbelief. I was sitting at 98kg, and I’m pretty sure I’d tipped over the 100kg mark in the months running up to that morning. I knew I wasn’t being healthy. I had reached a point where I could no longer ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit that I wasn’t stewarding my body well. My energy was low, my sleep was poor, and honestly, my confidence was shot to bits.
As a Pastor, I’ve often spoken about spiritual discipline—prayer, Scripture reading, fasting, worship. I’ve preached on them, I’ve encouraged others in their pursuit of them and I’ve written about them. But as I stood on the scale that morning, I realised that I had neglected another kind of discipline: caring for my physical body, the very vessel that God has given me to steward.
Over the past several months, I’ve committed myself to a new level of physical discipline. With intentional nutrition choices, regular gym session, running, and a renewed focus on honouring God with my body, I’ve lost 13kg—and gained so much more than I ever expected.
Let me tell you what I’ve learned along the way.
1. Our Bodies Are Not Our Own
“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.”
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (ESV)
This verse has taken on a whole new meaning for me. For years, I had compartmentalized my faith. I thought, as long as my spiritual life is healthy, my physical life doesn’t matter as much. I was so focused on honouring God in some areas of my life that I had begun to neglect others.
But the truth is, honouring God is holistic. It involves every part of who we are—mind, soul, and body. When we neglect our health, it doesn’t just affect us physically. It can cloud our minds, drain our energy, and make it harder to serve others with joy and energy. God didn’t give us our bodies to be ignored; He gave them to be stewarded.
2. Discipline in One Area Leads to Growth in Others
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11 (ESV)
There were times when I really didn’t want to go to the gym. Life is busy, ministry is full on at times and the demands on day to day life can be intense. There were days I didn’t want to track my food. But through the struggle, God began to produce fruit, not just in my waistline, but in my wants and will.
Discipline produces more discipline. As I trained my body, I noticed my spiritual disciplines becoming stronger too. My prayer times became more focused. My mind felt clearer when studying God’s Word. My endurance in ministry increased.
Physical discipline isn’t necessarily separate from spiritual discipline, they can reinforce each other.
3. Strength Is for Service, Not Self-Glory
“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 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 Timothy 4:7–8 (ESV)
Some people can, and do, misuse this journey—turning fitness into an idol or pursuing aesthetics for self-glory and pride. That’s not what this is about.
Paul reminds us that while physical training has value, it’s ultimately a tool for greater godliness. I haven’t lost weight to impress anyone. I’ve done it so I can play with my kids without tiring, so that I can serve the Lord for longer in ministry and be a better steward of what God has given me.
It’s not so much about fitness, it’s really all about faithfulness
4. Your Body Can Be a Testimony
In a world obsessed with quick fixes and self-image, living a life of quiet, consistent physical discipline stands out. People notice when you carry yourself with energy, purpose, and joy. And when they ask, you have the chance to say, “This isn’t about me, it’s about honouring the God who made me.”
If you’re feeling stuck in your health, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, let me encourage you: start small. Think about all that God has given you in your body and try to use it for him. Don’t aim for perfection, aim for progress in his strength.
You don’t have to become a marathon runner or a bodybuilder. But you can start walking. You can make better food choices. You can surrender your body to God, one day at a time.
And who knows? A year from now, you might not just be lighter in weight, but stronger in faith.
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