Humble Bodies, healthy lives: Seeing ourselves as we truly are
How often do we think of humility in relation to physical health? We might associate it with moral or spiritual life, but humility plays a crucial role in how we care for our bodies. True humility allows us to see ourselves honestly—acknowledging strengths and limitations. It helps us care for our bodies, be grateful for the gift of our bodies, and grow in ways that nurture our lives.
I recently found myself with a health challenge I’d never faced before. At first it was puzzling and a bit of a nuisance, but when I realised all my usual ways of caring for my body weren’t helping I ended up seeking a specialist which subsequently meant making some changes in life that I was not accustomed to. My body was simply not able to continue as it had, and expecting it to was not seeing my body for how it is in the present. God was beginning to teach me what it means to be humble in recognizing the limits of this body on earth, but also being able to embrace that reality rather than to be bothered by it. It’s not acting in accord with God’s will to try and push my body when it’s crying for help.
Humility: Recognizing Where We Are
St. Augustine of Hippo said, “Treat your body as if you’ll live forever, and your soul as if you’ll die tomorrow.” Humility allows us to see our current physical state honestly—not in self-deprecation but with stewardship.
When we lack humility, we might fall into one of two traps:
- Pride that ignores physical limits, pushing us to unhealthy extremes.
- False humility that neglects self-care under the guise of selflessness.
Instead, humility invites us to accept where we are today, without comparison or shame, while recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Reflection Question: Do you struggle more with pushing too hard or neglecting health? What would humility look like in response?
Gratitude as the Foundation of Growth
A humble approach to physical health begins with gratitude. Rather than resenting what our bodies can’t do, and that we need to slow down or rest, instead we start by thanking God for being gifted this life, and for what this body is capable of doing. Whether it’s movement, breath, or healing, gratitude reframes our health journey from frustration to stewardship. Remembering Jesus tells us to come away and rest for a while (Mark 6:31). How can we, in humility, recognize our need for rest and nourishment instead of pushing ourselves too far?
Practical Steps to Humility in Physical Health
Humility isn’t just an attitude—it translates into action. Here are ways to cultivate humility in caring for your body:
- Assess Health Without Judgment: Observe your well-being in exercise, nutrition, rest, and energy levels. No judgment—just awareness.
- Set Realistic Health Goals: Choose two achievable changes (e.g., a short daily walk, reducing screen time before bed, or choosing one healthier meal per day).
- Practice Reflective Prayer for Stewardship: Offer a short daily prayer thanking God for your body and asking for grace to care for it well.
- Seek Support in Community: Humility means acknowledging that we need help. Whether it’s a workout partner, accountability in nutrition, or encouragement in rest, inviting others into your health journey keeps you grounded and motivated.
Humility in physical health is about balance, gratitude, and stewardship. It helps us see our bodies as God’s creation—worthy of care but not the center of our identity. As we grow in humility, we accept where we are, take small steps toward better health, and ultimately live in a way that enables us to serve others more fully.
Written by Stina Constantine
Keynote speaker, & founder and director of Virtue Ministry