Small, consistent choices make a big impact.
June 18, 2025 | Tennessee, United States | Marion Peppers
For most of my life I treated my health like an afterthought—neglecting movement and nourishment and chasing quick fixes. After years of struggling, I finally began to realize that caring for my health wasn’t just about looking or feeling a certain way; it was about honoring God with the life He entrusted to me.
God created us to be stewards of many things, which includes the body He has given us (see 1 Cor. 6:19, 20). The question is: Do we treat our body with the same kindness and respect that He would? When we take care of ourselves, we are not only willing but able to follow His leading.
I don’t know about you, but my life is busy! Where do we find the time to put into our health? Motivation doesn’t just happen. It’s hard to have a consistent exercise routine and to eat well. Thankfully, God is the giver of all good things, including the gift of discipline, and discipline is what creates motivation.
Here are some simple tips you can try to jump-start your health:
Start with small, sustainable changes.
Gradual adjustments over time are often more likely to stick than drastic and extreme shifts in lifestyle. For example, make it a habit to keep a water bottle beside your bed. Don’t allow your feet to hit the floor before taking a long drink. Then set reminders to keep you drinking all day long! Those who start right are more likely to end right.
Movement is a gift.
Exercise should never be viewed as punishment. Studies show the importance of overall movement as well as cardio and strength training to keep the organs and muscles healthy. That doesn’t mean you must walk 10 miles a day or spend two hours doing something you hate. Start with 10 minutes a day of resistance training; make it a habit to get up and move every hour; find something you enjoy that your entire family can get involved in. Simply move more.
Food is fuel.
Instead of obsessing over diets and calories, appreciate the whole foods God has given. View food as the fuel it was intended to be. Eat “real food,” balance your diet by getting plenty of fiber, clean protein, and healthy fats, and stop eating when you’re satisfied.
Take time to rest and recover.
As important as movement is, rest and recovery are equally important. Aim for more restful sleep and enjoy the Sabbath God gives every seventh day.
Prioritize community and accountability.
Community is vital to our health, as it provides a framework of support, accountability, and social connection. When we meet to worship as a community of believers, let’s encourage each other—physically, spiritually, and emotionally!
Your health doesn’t have to be complicated. By making small, consistent choices, you can build a healthier life. Caring for your body is a way to honor the Life-giver. Start where you are, use what you have, and trust that every step forward is a step toward lasting wellness.