Rule of Life: Body

Part 4 | Return to Developing a Rule of Life

We are whole people. Mind and body. Immaterial and material. A holistic, embodied spirituality is key to the way of Jesus. Yet in a day and age of body-image obsession and sexual idolatry, many of us react with the opposite extreme: a kind of neo-Gnostic spirituality that sees the body as no more than a container to carry “us” around until we die. In this view, sexuality becomes just an animal release impulse for pleasure—not the fusion of two souls in the self-giving love of a covenant relationship. But Paul calls followers of Jesus to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.”

Daily examples

Consistent sleep | Aim to get between 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Consistency in when you wake up and when you go to bed each night is helpful to create a good habit.

Regular exercise | Choose something you love. If you hate running, don’t force yourself to do it. If you love to walk, simply start there. Explore ways that you can move your body that is fun for you and sustainable. It is a gift to be able to move our bodies.

Healthy diet | Choose things that will fuel you in a good way. Be mindful during meals and think about what you are eating instead of mindlessly eating while scrolling or watching something. Be intentional about thanking God for the food you are putting into your body. 

Weekly examples

Accountability Partner | Try to meet (over a meal) with someone once a week to check in on how you both are honoring God with your bodies

Recommended baseline practice | Commit to sleep a minimum of seven hours a night, get some form of exercise on a regular basis (as you are able), and eat well.
If you’re new to this practice, we recommend you start with going to bed earlier than you usually do, and taking a short walk each day.

Reflection Questions

• What habits of the body do you utilize to keep your whole person healthy and “holy” (whole) before God? 

• What practices make up your current rule of life (official or unofficial)? 

• What practices would you like to add in, cut out, or change?

Fill out the chart below with your small, actionable goals for this upcoming month.

Part 4 | Return to Developing a Rule of Life