Understanding Your Body As Temples of the Holy Spirit: A Christian’s Guide

Would you like to know one step that changed my approach to wellness training? It was when I read and truly understood what Paul meant in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 about our bodies being temples of the Holy Spirit. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” This scripture verse isn’t just a nice metaphor – it’s a game-changing truth that transforms how we approach physical and mental health.

Let me share something that happened in my gym few years back. I was working with Dean, a client who’d been struggling with emotional eating. When we started exploring the temple concept or your body as the body temple of the Holy Spirit together, his whole perspective shifted. “You mean my food choices are actually spiritual decisions?” he asked. That’s when things really started clicking for him.

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of faith-based training: viewing our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit isn’t about achieving perfect health or following rigid rules. It’s about understanding that these physical forms we inhabit are literally where God’s Spirit dwells. Pretty mind-blowing when you really think about it. And each morning I awake thanking God for another opportunity to live, love, and be loved.

The temple concept changes everything about how I approach wellness training. In the ancient world, temples were carefully maintained, treated with respect, and used for their intended purpose. Similarly, we’re called to maintain and care for our bodies – not out of vanity, but out of reverence for the One who dwells within.

I remember making a big mistake early in my career. I used to push clients consistently toward extreme fitness goals without considering the spiritual implications. Even when we went out to eat together, I would tell them how many calories each food contained. Now I understand that body temple of God care isn’t about nagging, punishment, or deprivation – it’s about creating a healthy dwelling place for God’s Spirit.

Something practical I’ve learned: when clients start viewing their bodies as temples, their motivation changes completely. Instead of exercising because they hate their bodies, they work out because they’re honoring God. Instead of crash dieting, they make sustainable choices that support their body’s health.

Here’s what gets me fired up: helping people understand that every health choice becomes an act of worship when we grasp the temple concept. That post-workout salad or protein shake? Temple maintenance. Getting adequate rest? Caring for God’s dwelling place. It adds sacred and healthy significance to everyday decisions.

The temple perspective also helps with balance. I’ve seen too many Christians swing between neglecting their health entirely or becoming obsessed with fitness. Understanding our bodies as temples helps find that middle ground – caring for our physical selves without making it an idol.

Let me share something specific that’s worked wonders with clients: starting each workout with a moment of consecration. We literally pause and acknowledge that this training session is about caring for God’s temple. It completely changes the atmosphere and intention of the workout. One of the prayers I pray as I’m walking into a workout is that I’m thankful for the opportunity, ability, and desire to exercise effectively.

You want to know what’s really powerful? When we start seeing our food choices through this lens. Keep your view about nutrition simple. It’s not about “good” or “bad” foods anymore – it’s about choosing what best serves the temple. This removes shame from eating and replaces it with mindful stewardship. We can all learn to feed our bodies better.

Remember, temples in the Bible weren’t valued for their outward appearance alone – they were precious because of Who dwelt within them. Same goes for our bodies. Yes, we take care of them, but their true value comes from being the dwelling place of God’s Spirit. When this happens, we feel better internally and externally.

I’ve found that when people really grasp this truth, their whole approach to health transforms. Exercise becomes less about punishing your body and more about preparing it for service. Nutrition becomes less about restrictions and more about nourishment.

Let me be clear about something – this doesn’t mean we’ll always make perfect choices or that our bodies will function perfectly. We’re still living in fallen bodies in a fallen world. But understanding the temple concept gives us a framework for making choices that honor God.

Listen, if you’re struggling with how to approach fitness and health, start here: pause and remember that your body is quite literally sacred space. How might that change your next workout? Your next meal choice? Your next rest day decision? And always remember rest days are essential.

What’s truly beautiful about this perspective is that it frees us from both neglect and obsession. We can care for our bodies without worshiping them, maintain them without idolizing them, and strengthen them while remembering their true purpose – to glorify God.

Thank you for reading this blog. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. How has understanding your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit impacted your approach to health and fitness? What challenges do you face in maintaining this perspective?

I hope you enjoy a healthy day.

WWR, Prov 3: 3-6