by Chris Wethman, Operational Assistant for Wellness
“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. Therefore, glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)
St. Paul reminds us that we are stewards—rather than owners—of ourselves as part of God’s creation. God has created our bodies to be vessels that bear the gift of His presence through the Holy Spirit. At the same time, Paul reminds us of the cost of that precious purchase: the redeeming death of God’s Son. Because we belong to Him, caring for our bodies becomes an act of faithful stewardship.
So, what stewardship principles for bodily care does God reveal in His Word?
MOVEMENT:
All of God’s creation is in motion—from the stars and planets of the universe to the tiniest elements within each cell. Our bodies are designed for movement. Muscles, digestion, the immune system, and countless other bodily functions work best when the body is active. Establishing patterns of regular movement helps maintain the health and effectiveness of the body God has given us.
NUTRITION:
God has provided abundantly for our nourishment. Scripture reminds us that God gave fruits and plants bearing seeds for food and later permitted the eating of every moving thing (Genesis 9:1–5). Through these provisions God sustains life and health. Longevity, strength, and quality of life are supported through wise nourishment. Scripture calls us to receive this provision with gratitude and respect.
REST:
God designed His creation to flourish through rhythms of work and rest. After creation, God Himself rested (Genesis 2:2), establishing a pattern woven into the fabric of life. Jesus also modeled this rhythm, often withdrawing to quiet places alone or with His disciples. Our bodies likewise require regular periods of recovery and rest to function well.
SABBATH RHYTHM:
Beyond daily rest, God also established the gift of Sabbath—a regular rhythm of renewal for body and soul (Exodus 20:8–10). Sabbath reminds us that our worth does not come from constant activity or productivity. By stepping away from work and entering worship, renewal, and trust in God’s provision, we restore our bodies and remember that God is the true sustainer of our lives and ministries.
LIVING NON-ANXIOUSLY:
Stress, fear, and worry affect not only the mind and spirit but also the body. Anxiety can contribute to heart disease, hypertension, stroke, digestive disorders, obesity, eating disorders, and many other conditions. Yet God has not left us without help. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, God brings peace to troubled hearts and steadies our minds, bodies, and spirits (Philippians 4:6–7).
COMMUNITY AND MUTUAL CARE:
God did not design us to care for our bodies alone. Scripture reminds us that we are members of one body in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). The encouragement, accountability, and support of fellow believers help sustain healthy rhythms of life and ministry. Through community we share burdens, strengthen one another, and care for the well-being of the whole body.
With these stewardship principles in mind, we give thanks to God our Creator for making us physical beings. He invites us to care for our bodies according to the capacities and limitations we experience in this life. In gratitude, we praise Him for the ability to pray, to sing, and to serve Him with the bodies He has given us—glorifying Him in word and deed as we live for His purposes.
Chris Wethman is a Certified Christian Leadership Coach (CCLC) and a founding member of the SED Coaching Network. She currently serves as Operational Assistant for Wellness in the Southeastern District.
Chris holds a Master of Science in Positive Organization Development & Change from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management, along with certifications in Developing Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence and Appreciative Inquiry. Her professional background spans 18 years in administrative leadership at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo, FL. She has supported strategic planning initiatives for LCMS congregations across Iowa, Minnesota, and Florida. At Grace Lutheran Church in Durham, NC, she has served as Congregation President, leads the Discipleship Team and teaches Adult Bible study.
Chris is also a published author of The Good News According to Rock & Roll and co-author of Be Quick to Listen. She enjoys crafting wooden crosses from antique jewelry and cherishes time with her husband, two daughters, and three grandchildren.