Holistic Stewardship: Honoring God in Every Aspect

Summary

God’s holiness is a mirror that reveals our true purpose: to honor and glorify Him in every aspect of our lives. We are not simply physical beings, nor are we just spiritual or emotional creatures. We are image bearers of God, created intentionally with a triune nature—spirit, soul, and body—reflecting the very nature of our Creator. This means that our worship is not confined to songs or Sunday gatherings, but is expressed in how we live, care for ourselves, and interact with the world around us.

Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is more than the absence of disease; it is a state of complete physical, social, and mental well-being. But God’s design for us goes even further, calling us to a life of wellness—a balanced integration of physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, environmental, occupational, financial, and social well-being. These eight dimensions are interconnected and dynamic, always in flux, and require intentional stewardship to maintain balance. When one area is neglected, it affects the others, much like a wheel with a flat spot cannot roll smoothly.

Scripture affirms that we are not our own; we were bought with a price and are called to honor God with our bodies and minds. The early church modeled a community where no one was in need because they shared their resources, embodying God’s vision for wholeness not just individually, but collectively. Stewardship, then, is not just about money or spiritual gifts, but about managing every aspect of our lives in a way that brings glory to God.

The challenge is not simply to “do better” in one area, but to pursue holistic balance, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This is an act of worship, a testimony to the world that God’s image is being restored in us. As we reflect on how we honor God with our bodies, minds, and resources, let us commit to being good stewards, seeking balance, and supporting one another in this journey toward wholeness.

Key Takeaways

- Bearing God’s Image Means Holistic Stewardship
Being made in God’s image is not just a spiritual truth but a call to steward every part of our being—spirit, soul, and body. Neglecting any aspect of our lives, whether physical health, mental well-being, or spiritual growth, is a distortion of the image we are meant to reflect. True worship is lived out in the daily choices that honor God in every dimension of our existence. [48:16]

- Balance Is Essential, Not Optional
The eight dimensions of wellness—physical, occupational, spiritual, environmental, financial, social, intellectual, and emotional—are interconnected. When one area is out of balance, it hinders our ability to fulfill God’s purpose for us. Pursuing balance is not about perfection, but about intentional, ongoing adjustment so that our lives can “roll” smoothly toward God’s calling. [57:04]

- Community Is God’s Design for Wholeness
The early church demonstrated that wholeness is not achieved in isolation. By sharing resources and caring for one another’s needs, they embodied God’s vision for a community where no one lacked. Our journey toward wellness must include supporting and uplifting others, recognizing that our abundance is meant to meet the needs of those around us. [01:23:37]

- Our Bodies Are Sacred Spaces
Scripture teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, not our own possessions. Every choice we make—what we eat, how we rest, how we manage stress, and even our relationships—either honors or dishonors God. Stewarding our bodies is a spiritual responsibility, a way of glorifying God and participating in His redemptive work in us. [01:30:55]

- Transformation Begins with Reflection and Action
It is not enough to feel convicted or inspired; transformation requires honest reflection and practical steps. Ask yourself how you are honoring God with your body and mind, how your relationships reflect God’s ownership, and how you can help others see the sacredness of their own lives. The journey toward wholeness is ongoing, but every step taken in faith is an act of worship that echoes into eternity. [01:33:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[43:35] - Defining Health and Wellness
[45:42] - Created with Purpose: The Image of God
[48:16] - Humanity in God’s Likeness
[49:55] - The Triune Nature of God and Man
[51:34] - Spirit, Soul, and Body Explained
[54:07] - The Neglected Body: A Call for Balance
[57:04] - The Eight Dimensions of Wellness
[59:31] - The Wheel of Life Activity
[01:01:18] - Exploring Each Wellness Dimension
[01:03:33] - Environmental and Financial Wellness
[01:06:16] - The Importance of a Balanced Life
[01:08:56] - Body, Soul, and Spirit in Action
[01:12:32] - The Challenge of Imbalance
[01:15:26] - Intellectual and Occupational Growth
[01:17:48] - Social Determinants of Health
[01:23:37] - The Early Church: A Model of Community
[01:25:24] - Stewardship and Sharing Resources
[01:28:20] - The Parable of the Talents
[01:29:35] - Honoring God with Our Bodies
[01:30:55] - Our Bodies as Temples
[01:32:13] - Reflecting on Stewardship
[01:33:31] - The Sacredness of Our Bodies
[01:34:09] - Wholeness as Worship
[01:35:12] - Closing Prayer and Next Steps

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Bearing God’s Image—Holistic Stewardship and Wholeness

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### Bible Reading

1. Genesis 1:26-28
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

2. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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 honor God with your bodies.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Genesis 1:26-28, what does it mean to be made in the image and likeness of God? What responsibilities did God give to humanity at creation? [[48:16]]

2. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul prays for believers’ spirit, soul, and body to be kept blameless. How does this verse show the different parts of who we are? [[54:07]]

3. What does 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 say about our bodies and how we should treat them? [[01:30:55]]

4. The sermon described eight dimensions of wellness. Can you name them, and how are they connected to the idea of being made in God’s image? [[57:04]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon said that neglecting any part of our being—spirit, soul, or body—distorts the image of God we are meant to reflect. Why do you think it’s so easy to focus on just one area and ignore the others? [[54:07]]

2. The early church in Acts 4 shared everything so that no one was in need. What does this say about God’s design for community and wholeness? How is this different from how we often live today? [[01:23:37]]

3. The Bible calls our bodies “temples of the Holy Spirit.” What are some ways people might dishonor or honor God with their bodies, based on the sermon? [[01:30:55]]

4. The sermon talked about balance, not perfection, in the eight areas of wellness. Why is balance so important, and what happens when one area is neglected? [[01:06:16]]

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### Application Questions

1. Take a moment to reflect: In which of the eight dimensions of wellness (physical, occupational, spiritual, environmental, financial, social, intellectual, emotional) do you feel most out of balance right now? What is one small, practical step you could take this week to move toward better balance in that area? [[59:31]]

2. The sermon challenged us to see our daily choices—what we eat, how we rest, how we manage stress, and our relationships—as acts of worship. Is there a specific daily habit you want to change so it better honors God? What would it look like to start that change this week? [[01:30:55]]

3. The early church shared resources so that no one was in need. Is there someone in your church or community who could use your help—financially, emotionally, or otherwise? What is one way you can support or encourage them this week? [[01:23:37]]

4. The sermon said, “You are not your own; you were bought with a price.” How does this truth affect the way you view your body, your mind, and your resources? Is there an area where you need to surrender control to God? [[01:30:55]]

5. Think about your relationships. Are there any that need healing, forgiveness, or more intentional care? What is one step you can take to bring wholeness to a relationship this week? [[01:32:13]]

6. The sermon encouraged honest reflection and practical action. What is one thing you feel convicted about after hearing this message, and what is a concrete action you can take in response? [[01:33:31]]

7. How can your small group support each other in pursuing holistic wellness and honoring God in every area of life? Is there a way you can hold each other accountable or encourage one another in this journey? [[01:34:09]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for God’s help to be good stewards of their whole lives—spirit, soul, and body—and to reflect His image in every area. Ask for wisdom, strength, and community support as you each take steps toward wholeness.

Devotional

Day 1: Created in God’s Image for Purpose and Wholeness
Each of us was intentionally created by God in His own image, reflecting His nature and character. This means our lives are not accidents or random, but purposeful, designed to mirror God’s likeness in how we live, love, and steward all He has given us. Understanding that we are image bearers calls us to honor God with every aspect of our being—body, soul, and spirit—so that our lifestyles testify to His glory and our purpose in Him. [48:16]

Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV)
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Reflection: In what specific way can you honor God today by intentionally reflecting His image in your actions, words, or choices?


Day 2: Embracing the Balance of Body, Soul, and Spirit
God designed us as whole beings—spirit, soul, and body—each part interconnected and essential for living out His purpose. Just as the triune God is perfectly unified, we are called to seek balance in caring for our spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Neglecting any one area can hinder our ability to fulfill God’s calling, but when we pursue balance, we move forward with strength and wholeness, able to serve God and others more effectively. [54:07]

1 Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV)
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection: Which area—body, soul, or spirit—have you been neglecting, and what is one step you can take today to bring greater balance to your life?


Day 3: God’s Power and Our Responsibility for Growth
God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness, but He calls us to actively grow in character, knowledge, self-control, and love. True wellness is not passive; it requires intentional effort to supplement our faith with virtue and to pursue growth in every area of life. As we cultivate these qualities, we become fruitful and effective, living out the fullness of God’s design for us. [01:17:48]

2 Peter 1:3-8 (ESV)
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection: What is one area of your character or habits where you sense God calling you to grow, and how can you take a practical step toward that growth today?


Day 4: Stewardship—Honoring God with Our Bodies
Our bodies are not our own; they are temples of the Holy Spirit, bought with a price, and meant to glorify God. Every choice we make—what we eat, how we care for ourselves, how we use our time—reflects our stewardship of God’s gift. Honoring God with our bodies is an act of worship, and it means being mindful of how our daily habits either honor or dishonor Him. [01:30:55]

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Reflection: What is one practical change you can make today to better honor God with your body as His temple?


Day 5: Community and Sharing for Wholeness
God’s design for wellness is not just individual but communal; the early church modeled a life where needs were met through sharing, generosity, and unity. When we support one another—whether by sharing resources, encouragement, or practical help—we reflect God’s heart and create an environment where everyone can thrive. True wholeness is found not only in personal balance but in building a community where no one is left in need. [01:23:37]

Acts 4:32-35 (ESV)
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

Reflection: Who in your church or community could you support or encourage today, and what is one tangible way you can help meet their need?

Quotes

So before we dig into understanding God's design for our physical and mental wellness, we have to understand that we are image bearers with purpose. We have to understand who we are, how we were created if we are to understand what we have to do. [00:45:14] (00:00:26 seconds) Edit Clip

Because I don't know if it's because we say to be carnally minded is dead, but to be spiritually minded is life. And somehow we think that because carnal talks about flesh, it means we shouldn't take care of our bodies. And so I'm hoping that at the end of today, we will see through scripture that it is equally important for us to take concern and care about our bodies just as much as we pay attention to our spirit and even our soul. [00:55:06] (00:00:35 seconds) Edit Clip

To be a Christian, to be in the kingdom of God, it's about being a good steward. Matthew 25, verse 14 to 30, is the parable Jesus spoke about the ruler who left and gave talents to some persons to some persons to manage what he had. That parable says that the person who he gave the least to, they decided to bury it. And when he came back, he said, the little that you have, that and all will be taken away. And Jesus started that saying, the kingdom of God is like this. We are called to be managers. We are called to be stewards. And stewards, not just of the finances, but of our whole lives, all those eight dimensions. [01:27:51] (00:00:58 seconds) Edit Clip

When we think about the things that we do, what we eat, what we watch, who we interact with, how we spend our money, what we meditate on, when we decide to stay in our pity parties for long, when we refuse to spend the $500 to go see a therapist, but okay spending $3 ,000 to go get an MRI, or spending three days in the hospital waiting to be seen. All of this is related to how we view ourselves as image bearers. [01:28:58] (00:00:38 seconds) Edit Clip

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. Nothing wrong with what you're not sure, no. What is it helpful? All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything. [01:29:35] (00:00:17 seconds) Edit Clip

By embracing God's design for wholeness, we participate in a sacred act of worship. The choices we make today about caring for ourselves echo into eternity. [01:34:09] (00:00:15 seconds) Edit Clip