HONOR GOD WITH YOUR BODY

Lucy was a widow and lived across the street from a family whom she had come to love as her own. One day Lucy came over and gave the youngest member of the family a bike. The little boy loved this bike and it warmed her heart to see him jump on it and pedal down the street. A year later she was at the house for her weekly visit and saw that the bike was beat up, had a flat tire, was rusting, and was not in good condition. It made Lucy very sad to see that the bike was not being cared for.

Our bodies are like that bike. They are a gift from God and it is our responsibility to care for them. What does God think when He sees us not taking care of our bodies? Scripture says,“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.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Exercise and eating healthy are just two ways you can honor God with your body. If you have failed in the past at diet plans and exercise routines and wonder WHY, I want you to ask yourself, was God a part of that process? We often forget to ask God to be a part of our everyday life. Many people feel that they can’t ask God to help them be motivated to move and exercise, overcome cravings, be filled after eating a meal or snack, or change your mind set about your health. The truth is, God wants to be a part of every aspect of your life. All you have to do is ask Him.

I had worked out for years and never felt satisfied. I compared myself to others and always wanted to be skinnier, more fit, faster or stronger. Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Since I made the connection of my faith and my health, I feel more free than I have ever felt. I may not be that pant size I had dreamed of and I may not weigh what I thought I should weigh, but I have learned that I am loved by God. I am enough.

You are enough, just as you are.

Lysa TerKeurst, author of the book Made to Crave, recommends focusing on finding your WANT TO versus the HOW TO of getting healthy. She states that many of us have SPIRITUAL MALNUTRITION, we feel overweight physically but underweight spiritually. If you desire to get healthy, go to God in prayer and invite Him to be part of the process. Getting fit is a change of the heart, so find time to do your WORK-IN. Then, find and accountability partner – someone who will encourage you, lift you up in prayer, and push you when you feel like giving up.

I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 1:2

Blessings on your journey,

Melanie Brown

TRANSFORMED Team Lead – Physical Health
Connect with Melanie on Facebook at Motivated by More