Physical discipline and self-care are encouraged in the Bible as a means of honoring God with one's body. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy that bodily exercise has some value, while 1 Corinthians emphasizes the importance of treating one's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Proverbs notes the energetic and diligent nature of the virtuous woman, who girds herself with strength for her daily tasks. As believers strive to be faithful stewards of their physical health, they can draw inspiration from Paul's athletic metaphors in 1 Corinthians and his personal testimony of finishing the race in 2 Timothy.
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For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.
Do you not know that your body is a temple 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 glorify God with your body.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.
Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.