Caring for the Earth Suit: Honoring God with Our Bodies

Introduction 

Health has become personal for me. I lost my mother far too soon to sicknesses that could have been managed with better care — diabetes and heart failure. I’ve watched my husband endure thirteen strokes, four of them massive, and yet God has sustained him through it all. And then, I myself took a fall down a flight of steps that forced me to face the reality of my own health choices. That moment became a turning point — a painful reminder that if I am to keep showing up for those I love, I must take responsibility for my body. 

These experiences have given me a passion: to do all I can to care for myself so that I can care for others. I don’t want to burden my family with health challenges that could have been prevented or made less severe through discipline, wisdom, and self-care. What we can control, we must. What we cannot control, we entrust to the hands of God. 

I am determined to rebuild, to fuel my body well, and to steward this “earth suit” so I can fulfill the dreams still before me — like walking the streets of Paris with my granddaughter as a college graduation gift. That vision reminds me daily that longevity and quality of life don’t just happen by chance. They come through intentional choices, grounded in both faith and discipline. 

Caring for the Earth Suit 

We only get one “earth suit” — our physical body that allows us to live and move in this natural world. It is temporary, fragile, and designed for this side of eternity, but how we care for it determines the longevity and quality of our life. 

Too often we neglect this vessel, feeding it carelessly, ignoring its need for movement, and treating it as though it will sustain itself without discipline. Yet Scripture reminds us that we are called to live disciplined lives. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), and we honor God not only with our souls but also with our flesh and blood. 

When we neglect our health, our responses to others suffer. We become weary, impatient, or conditional in our love because we lack energy, clarity, and balance. But if we truly love the Lord our God with all our soul, and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37–39), then self-care becomes an act of love. By giving our bodies the proper nutrients, exercise, and rest, we position ourselves to serve others with strength, compassion, and joy. 

Yes, the earth suit will one day break down. We live in a broken world — an ecosystem compromised by sin — yet we are still called to steward this gift faithfully. Food was given for the healing of the nations (Ezekiel 47:12; Revelation 22:2), not as an idol. Don’t trade your inheritance for a “bowl of stew” like Esau (Genesis 25:29–34). Discipline in health is not about vanity, but about purpose: fueling our assignment, protecting our legacy, and ensuring we can finish our race well. 

Scripture Focus 

Reflection Questions 

Closing Prayer 

Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for the gift of this body — my earth suit — which allows me to fulfill my purpose in this world. Forgive me for times I have neglected or mistreated it. Teach me the discipline of honoring You with my choices, my habits, and my health. Help me to steward this vessel well so that I may serve others with love, energy, and joy. May my body remain strong for as long as You have need of me on this earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.