“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you.” (Romans 12:1a NLT)
The beginning of a new year gives a perfect opportunity to prayerfully formulate plans and set goals to maximize our physical, mental, and emotional health. For the last few days, we’ve looked at avenues to improving our spiritual and relational health, and today we’ll look at caring for our physical body.
OUR BODY
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” What does that mean for us as we begin a new year? It means, if we are a Jesus follower, that ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that concerns us, concerns the Lord who bought us and loves us immeasurably. So, how does that translate as we consider goals to maximize, not only the health of our body, but our fruitfulness for the Lord?
The verses above were written in the context of avoiding sexual sin, but God’s concern for us is far more comprehensive than sex, as important as that is to us and Him. The purpose of these posts isn’t to judge or condemn. We answer to the Lord alone at the end of our lives. What you do with your body, life, and health is ultimately between you and the Lord. However, if I can help you better understand God’s desires for you and the rich rewards you will receive in submitting to God’s authority in your life, then so be it. The bottom line is, we are managers of our body, not owners. How we care for our body, as well as other things with which the Lord has entrusted us, is a reflection of our love for and devotion to our Savior. We’re accountable to Him.
If you’re a Jesus follower, your body is the dwelling place of the most-high God, and as such, deserves proper care. What might that look like?
- Eat as healthy as your budget will allow. I’ve literally been penniless, so I understand “cheap.” At times a meal might consist of a candy bar or a bag of chips. I didn’t have the luxury of eating “healthy.” My concern wasn’t health, it was survival. Now, my wife was a nurse for 40 years, so she guides me in what is healthy. If you don’t know what to look for or what kind of food would be best for your situation (i.e. – overweight, diabetic, etc.) ask your doctor (and take notes 😊).
- Exercise to the best of your ability. This, too, is a very personal issue. Depending on your age and general physical condition you may be limited, but, very likely, you can do something. Stretch, do sit ups or push-ups, or walk. I know a lady who lost more than a hundred pounds walking. She was walking 10 miles a day when I met her. Maybe you could start with ¼ mile, then add as you’re able. Exercise is critical and when combined with healthy, moderately sized portions, can do wonders for how you feel and look.
- Sleep eight hours a night. I suspect some will read that and think, “Yeh, in my dreams!” Demands on your schedule may dictate a lesser amount of sleep, but as you are able, rest. Lack of sleep is a factor in a lot of negative things in our bodies and lives.
- The common denominator of each of these areas is discipline. Learn to tell yourself “NO!” Whether it’s spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, relational, or otherwise, developing discipline to do what’s right and not do what is wrong will help you develop health in virtually every area of your life. The Lord will give you strength to do what He places on your heart to do or not do.
Jeremiah wrote: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT) By God’s grace and with His guidance and help, you can do anything. Seek to be your best self in this new year to the Lord’s honor and fame.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 