Commitment to Self

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.  Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Up to this point, we have focused our attention to committing ourselves to external things - God, our families, our work... Now we are going to shift gears and focus on committing to taking care of our health through diet and exercise. This is a topic that may seem "shallow" or nonspiritual to some. After all, the Bible says nothing about being a size 4 or having rock hard abs to enter the pearly gates!  But taking care of our health is a more subtle message found throughout the Word.

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 NIV)

Think about that - the Holy Spirit of God resides in you.  I have been told that your ability to maintain your health through proper diet & exercise is a direct reflection of your spiritual health, and it makes sense if you think about it. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self control.  If the Holy Spirit is in you, you already have self control.  All you need to do is exercise it.

Now it is time to take action. No more setting a date and planning to get healthy-- the time is NOW! But first, I have a question for you:  Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? That is the first step to victory in any area of your life! If you have, then I have most excellent news for you. You no longer need to rely on your own strength and willpower. You have the Holy Spirit of God Almighty living IN YOU! He will provide the self control you need for this victory, if you just call on Him. Your past failures mean NOTHING! You are more than a conqueror through Christ who gives you strength!

Nike has long held the motto: "Just Do It".  The Bible has its own version of this motto:  "Pick Up Your Mat."  Take a moment to read John 5:1-9.  An invalid man had been waiting by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years for someone to help him into the healing water.  38 years!!!  Jesus came along and essentially said:  Enough with your excuses.  The time has come - if you want to be well, then just GET UP!!

And so it is for you.  The time has come.  Whether you are harming your health through poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, drinking in excess... whatever the challenge.  Enough with your excuses.  The time has come.  If you want to be well, get up!  Pick up your mat and walk!!