From Lay’s and Laziness to Living Well - Honoring God with My Health

Focus Scripture

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Thoughts

My Story - From Chips to Change

For years, my diet could be summed up in one word: convenience. Lay's potato chips, Diet Pepsi, movie theater popcorn (with extra butter, of course), ice cream, and salted peanuts were my go-to comfort foods. After my college soccer career ended, so did my discipline and active lifestyle. I went from sprint drills and team camaraderie to binge-watching movies with a tub of popcorn in one hand and a pop in the other.

How could I go from Athlete of the Year in grade school, All-City and All-Conference in high school, and a college soccer player to the couch and inactive? I wasn’t just letting my body go, I was letting go of something deeper: purpose, care, and a sense of stewardship over the gift God had given me—my health.

I had lived and breathed sports for so long. Basketball games with friends. Baseball at the park. Training hard, pushing limits, playing to win. But when all of that faded, I didn’t replace it with anything life-giving. Instead, I drifted into habits that dulled my energy, my spirit, and even my connection with God.

The Shift - Whole-Person Wellness

Eventually, I hit a wall—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. That’s when I realized I needed more than a new diet plan. I needed restoration. I began making changes, and each step was a way of saying: God, I want to honor You with my whole life—body, mind, and spirit.

A Word About Dani

None of this change happened in a vacuum. My wife, Dani, has been a quiet (sometimes loud) and steady force behind the scenes. Through her prayers, encouragement, and even those hard conversations I didn’t want to have, she gently nudged me toward something better.

She saw the version of me I couldn’t yet see, the healthier, whole, purpose-driven version. Her love wasn’t pushy (most of the time); it was persistent. She prayed when I didn’t know how to pray for myself. She believed when I was stuck in bad habits. And step by step, her support helped me take mine.

Here’s what that started to look like:

• Eating healthy. I learned that food can be fuel, not just fun. Lean proteins, vegetables, water over pop, each choice became a quiet act of worship.

• Working out with a trainer. Accountability gave me structure. I needed someone to push me, guide me, and help me rebuild strength.

• Massage and acupuncture. These weren’t luxuries; they were part of restoring the stress and strain I’d put on my body. Healing isn’t just about muscles—it’s about nervous systems, emotions, and energy.

• Manicures and pedicures. Simple acts of care. Touchpoints to remind myself that being well-groomed isn’t vanity—it’s stewardship.

• Drinking water. The most basic element of health became a spiritual reminder. Living water doesn’t come in a pop can. (John 4:14)

• Macros Matter. One of the biggest shifts in my health journey was learning to track and maintain my macros—balancing proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to fuel my body with intention. It wasn’t about restriction; it was about responsibility. I began to understand what my body actually needed to function at its best. Getting enough protein to build strength, healthy fats to support brain and joint health, and the right kind of carbs for energy helped me feel more in control and less reactive to cravings. Sticking to my macros became a daily discipline—one more way I could honor God by being mindful of what I put into the body He gave me.

Your Body is a Temple—Not a Trash Can

This isn't about vanity or six-packs. It’s about honoring God with what He has entrusted to you. Our bodies are not junkyards for stress, sugar, or shame. They are temples where the Holy Spirit dwells. And taking care of that temple is an act of obedience, gratitude, and reverence.

Romans 12:1 says we are to present our bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." That changes everything. Health isn’t a New Year’s resolution—it’s a spiritual discipline.

Life Application

Honoring God with your health isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about stewarding the body He’s entrusted to you. Every choice we make, from what we eat to how we move, can be an act of worship when done with the right heart. This isn’t a quick fix or a crash program; it’s a daily commitment rooted in grace, fueled by intentionality, and strengthened through community. When we care for our bodies, we not only increase our energy and resilience, but we also create more capacity to serve others and glorify the One who gave us life.

How to Honor God with Your Health

1. Start with grace. You didn’t get here overnight; you won’t heal overnight. But grace covers the journey.

   
   

2. Move your body daily. Whether it’s training, walking, dancing, or playing—movement matters.

   
   

3. Feed your body, don’t just fill it. Ask yourself: Is this nourishing me or numbing me?

   
   

4. Incorporate rest and restoration. Sabbath rest includes letting your body recover—massage, acupuncture, sleep, prayer.

   
   

5. Stay hydrated. Seriously—drink water. Your cells and your soul will thank you.

   
   

6. Seek accountability. Whether a trainer, friend, or mentor, you weren’t made to go it alone.

You don’t have to be a professional athlete to be in training. Every day is a new opportunity to become more whole—body, mind, and spirit. Not for perfection. Not for praise. But for the glory of the One who made you and dwells within you.

It’s not just self-care. It’s sacred care.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of my body. Forgive me for the times I’ve neglected or abused it. I confess that I’ve often chosen convenience over care, and numbness over nourishment. But today, I choose to honor You with my health. Help me to see my body the way You do—a temple, a vessel, a living sacrifice. Give me strength to make wise choices, courage to ask for help, and grace to keep going when I fall short. Thank You for second chances and new beginnings. May every step I take—whether in a gym, a grocery store, or a quiet moment of rest—be an act of worship.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.