The duty towards our physical bodies requires mindfulness of our physical and mental health. God’s plan for His children is complete—spiritually, mentally, and physically. He does not desire sickness or weakness for us. As a matter of fact, illness is not from God; it comes from the enemy, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. God did not create diseases. Jesus’ ministry demonstrates God’s heart for healing. It is His assignment to restore what the enemy had broken, including offering clean bills of health to people.
“Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, ‘If You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.”
Mark 1:40–42 (NKJV)
Healing and health are central to Jesus’ mission. He restores people not only physically but also socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Our health matters to God because our bodies are His temple, and our wholeness allows us to serve Him fully.
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
3 John 1:2 (NKJV)
Prosperity is holistic. Spiritual growth, emotional stability, and physical health are intertwined. Sickness can limit your ability to serve, enjoy life, and fulfill God’s purpose for you. God is more ready to heal than we are willing to ask for healing. We only need to believe this and ask Him. He is so willing for us to be strong, vibrant and healthy.
Sickness can take away essential things from you. So, yes, health is a big deal, and God wants that for you. Take advantage of His love for you and His willingness to heal you. The Word of God still has healing capacity. If we let the Word into our spirit, it will flow right to our bodies and heal us.
We must believe that God wants us physically and mentally well. Mental illness is just as debilitating as physical illness. As much as God heals, we also have a responsibility to keeping ourselves healthy. We must do our part to repel sickness away from our bodies. Remember, it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We must consciously target good health.
That includes maintaining a good diet, exercise and rest routines. Don’t let your body go. Don’t let it run to the ground. Our bodies need our constant attention.
Maintaining good health is part of our responsibility. And so, it is important to say this: There will be times where we need extra support to maintain good health. Medication, medical treatments, and professional care are God’s provision for our well-being. Yes, at different point(s) in our lives, we may need to take medications to help our body’s organs, systems, muscles and such.
Some Christians hesitate to seek medical help, believing it reflects weak faith. This is a gross misunderstanding. God is not opposed to medicine; He can work through it. Ignoring these responsibilities is not faith—it is neglect.
Paul advised Timothy:
“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.” 1 Timothy 5:23 (NKJV)
Faith and medicine are not enemies—they are partners. Prayer and God’s healing power work alongside the wisdom of doctors, nurses, and medical science. Sickness is the enemy, not treatment. Accepting medical help is a wise and responsible act, not a lack of faith.
God heals, and He heals through many means. Prayer, the Word, and the laying on of hands are powerful, but God may also choose to work through medicine and healthcare professionals. Recognizing this is part of honoring the temple He has entrusted to you.
Maintaining good physical and mental health enables you to serve, worship, and enjoy life fully. Stay tuned for Part 3: Faith and Medicine: Walking in Wisdom. I highlight balancing faith and medicine—how prayer, trust in God, and practical medical care work together to preserve and restore your health.