Summer is passing, students are returning to school, and many of us are settling into our fall routines. The season known for focusing more on one’s physical attributes is wrapping up—but should we change our focus on the physical part of who we are? I say yes, perhaps in certain ways. I firmly believe, after going through an extended challenge physically, that we should understand the value, not simply of looking our best, but of being in our best condition year-round—and that is rooted in the spiritual realm. You see, God wants your body. Nobody in this world could want your body as much as He does. And no one could ever hope to release the authentic power and purpose of your body like only He can. Beyond the esthetic, God uniquely designed your body and mine to play a major role in our daily life and destiny.
You are invaluable to God, God wants your body
The Bible speaks clearly about how God intricately designed and placed a premium on you. From what I’ve learned, in His eyes, the intrinsic value of the vessel that houses your spirit is far greater than you might think. I guess you could say that during the past six years I gained a renewed perspective, and I’d like to share it with you. So, in the weeks ahead we’re going to explore this, as I did while recovering from a chronic condition.
I realized that in all my good intentions and the “good things” I was doing, I had taken my body, and my health, for granted. In July 2013, my physical issues (which I had been ignoring) started coming to a head. I was scheduled to teach mid-week Bible study at our church, and when I stood up to begin the lesson, I started feeling dizzy, and then the room slowly started going black.
The next thing I knew, I was lying on a couch in a dimly lit room, surrounded by concerned people. Then I was whisked away in an ambulance to a nearby hospital. Why had this happened? Why hadn’t I anticipated it? The truth is that for years up to that point, I was focused on everything else: constantly busy, pushing myself, doing more and more in the twenty-four hours a day God had given me. But I wasn’t taking care of me.
What about you? Are you always busy, stressed out perhaps, striving to do and achieve more, all the while ignoring common-sense principles concerning your health and what your body is telling you? If so, allow me to share the wisdom—spiritual and practical—I have gained during my process to wholeness. Join me on this five-part journey and we’ll explore the PRINCIPLE, the PROBLEM, the PROCESS, and the PROMISE concerning our bodies—the powerful tool God has given us to manage daily and contribute to an overcoming life.
God’s Framework for Your Well-Being
To be clear, our spiritual well-being comes first, but unless we understand our physical body, our ability to do what God has called and equipped us to do can be diminished. Here’s the key: We must learn how to manage our bodies according to the framework He has put in place. In order to do this, we must start at the beginning, because God’s foundation is both spiritual and natural. With this in mind, let’s begin with Psalm 139:14–17 (NASB), when David said:
“I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!”
So, let us begin our journey by agreeing with God, thanking Him for making us fearfully, wonderfully. Then we can continue by acknowledging that He knows us more intimately than anyone ever could. Our life is hidden in Him, determined by Him, and blessed in Him. At the root of all this is the fact that God loves us—body, soul, and spirit—and that His every thought is for our good. Within this framework, we can begin this journey on strong footing and come into agreement with God concerning this priceless gift and tool He has given us to walk in the fullness of our destiny. Are you ready?
Your Part in the Process
As we move forward, I would like for you to consider three things to make a regular matter of prayer:
- How well am I managing my body according to the Word of God?
- How well am I maintaining it according to practical wisdom?
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how well does my body reflect God’s authority and dominion in the earth?
Remember, God doesn’t condemn us for not being perfect. But being aware of where we really are in our physical disciplines helps us to bring our needs to the Lord. In His hands, by the power of His Spirit, we can best manage our physical health. We can be in harmony with our spirit and soul, and become all He has created us to be.
It’s Never Too Late to Start Fresh
No matter where you are physically at this moment, you can start right now. You can gain a renewed mindset—because that’s where change begins. So, come with me! Let’s start fresh as we enter this new season of the year. Let’s understand the beauty and power of how body, soul, and spirit are designed to work together. From this vantage point, we’ll dig into God’s Word. We’ll also explore practical principles and realize how much we have been fearfully and wonderfully made.
Yes, my friend, God wants your body! He attended to every detail to ensure your body would work in tandem with your spirit and soul. He has made you priceless, unique, and fully capable of fulfilling your destiny. And the management part? By the power of His Spirit, believing Christ, it’s up to you. Are you ready? Let’s begin!
“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” Romans 12:2 (AMP)
Featured photograph by infini/Shutterstock.com
Also read: https://www.christianlearning.com/what-god-thinks-about-your-body/
