New year, new temple: Caring for the body God gave you

Imagine this: On your 18th birthday, you’re handed the keys to a brand-new car—any make or model you want. It’s spotless, powerful, perfectly tuned. But there’s a catch: You can never sell it, trade it, replace it. This is the car you’ll drive for life.

You’d maintain it carefully—get oil changes on time, park in the shade, check the tires before long trips, and never skip a tune-up. You’d treat it like a treasure—because it’s the only one you’d ever have.

In truth, that’s not just a metaphor. You have something you can never trade in: your body. And it’s far more precious than any car.

As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 [NIV],

“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.”

Our bodies are temples where God’s Spirit dwells. Yet many of us treat them like borrowed vehicles, running them hard, skipping maintenance, and hoping they’ll somehow hold together. As the new year begins, ask yourself:  What would it mean to honor God with the body He entrusted to you?

What the numbers tell us

Science affirms what Scripture says: Wise stewardship brings blessing. Numerous studies show that lifestyle choices—not genetics—account for most differences in health and longevity. Research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that individuals who followed five simple habits—maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, and limiting alcohol—lived, on average, 10–14 years longer than those who did not.

Other studies echo the same theme:

• Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 35% and certain cancers by 20–30%.
• Adults who eat fruits and vegetables daily have a lower risk of premature death from any cause.
• Quality sleep, stress management, and social connection all play measurable roles in physical and mental health.

Taking care of your body isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about living and serving God longer. The way we fuel, rest, and move our bodies directly affects how well we can fulfill the good works God prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10).

What motivates lasting change

Every January, millions resolve to “get healthy,” but most quit by February. Why? Because willpower alone rarely sustains lasting transformation.

Research in behavioral science and psychology suggests that lasting change comes when new habits align with deeper values and identity. The key isn’t just to lose weight or exercise more—it’s to see yourself differently.

In Romans 12:1–2, Paul writes:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Lasting health transformation begins with renewed thinking—seeing daily choices as acts of worship. When we walk, rest, eat, and care for our bodies unto the Lord, motivation shifts from guilt to gratitude, from “I have to” to “I get to.”

Studies from Duke University and the University of Michigan show that people who connect health goals to a higher purpose—faith, family, calling, or service—are more likely to sustain healthy behaviors. When exercise builds strength to serve others, and nutrition becomes a way to honor God’s temple, consistency follows naturally.

A renewed vision for the year ahead

So, as we step into a new year, consider this:

Your body isn’t disposable; it’s a sacred trust. It’s the vehicle through which you love, serve, and glorify God. It’s how you hold your children, lift up the weak, and live out the purposes He has for you.

You don’t need a gym or perfect diet to start honoring God with your body—just a renewed heart and a few small, faithful steps. Take a daily walk. Drink water instead of soda. Go to bed earlier. Pray as you move. Eat to nourish, not to numb your appetite.

Each of these choices says, “Lord, thank You for this temple. Help me care for it well.”

The car analogy reminds us that stewardship and gratitude go together. If you had one vehicle for life, you’d guard it carefully. You have one body—so honor God by keeping His temple strong, clean, and ready for every good work He has prepared for you.

References

1. Li, Y., et al. (2018). Impact of Healthy Lifestyle Factors on Life Expectancies in the U.S. Population. Circulation, 138(4), 345–355. – Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study showing that adherence to five low-risk lifestyle habits (healthy diet, regular physical activity, healthy body weight, moderate alcohol intake, and no smoking) was associated with a gain of 10–14 years of life expectancy. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.117.032047
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition. – Summarizes evidence that regular physical activity reduces risk of heart disease by up to 35% and cancer by up to 30%. https://health.gov/paguidelines/second-edition
3. Oyebode, O., et al. (2014). Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and All-Cause, Cancer, and Cardiovascular Mortality: Analysis of Health Survey for England Data. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 68(9), 856–862. – Found that higher fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with significantly lower risk of premature death. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2013-203500
4. Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength. Penguin Press. – Discusses the limits of willpower and why aligning habits with purpose and identity leads to sustainable behavior change.
5. Duke University Fuqua School of Business (2015). Purpose and Motivation: The Link Between Meaning and Sustained Effort. – Research highlighting that individuals who connect goals to a higher sense of purpose are significantly more likely to sustain behavioral change over time.
6. University of Michigan Center for Positive Organizations. (2016). The Role of Purpose in Behavior Change. – Explores how values-driven motivation improves adherence to health and wellness goals.
7. Holy Bible, New International Version. – Scripture references include 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Romans 12:1–2, and Ephesians 2:10.