Great insights from the living life book, January issue! :D
"You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (1 Cor. 6:20)
The top New Year's resolutions are often to lose weight or start exercising but research has shown that less than 50% pan out which means our resolutions made for this year has 50% chance of failure! BUT! With the right motivation, you will be able to keep your commitment to good physical condition!(:
It is biblical to keep your body healthy!
Many christians think that we don't have to bother so much about what we eat because we trust that God will protect us from diseases, or that it's ok to have a shorter live from unhealthy lifestyle since we're going heaven sooner or later or more commonly we might think that we should focus on spiritual things, not physical cos physical things are too worldly. I used to have this misconception too, that keeping fit is because people are afraid of death.
However, I learned that there is a direct correlation between the condition of a spiritual life and a physical body. For instance, Proverbs 3:7-8 says that fearing God and keeping ourselves pure will "bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." Thus if we fear God, knowing that our body is His temple, we will take extra care in what we eat and to keep ourselves healthy to honor and serve the Lord with our bodies.
Also, the Apostle John offers a greeting, wishing wellbeing by stating, "I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along" (3 John 1:2). Moreover, we know that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, that we are not our own (1 Cor 6:19) and that destroying His temple is a sin (1 Cor 3:17). Our bodies are not ours to do with as we please, they are God's temples are He bought with Jesus' blood; thus it is crucial that we take good care of them.
Furthermore, The Apostle Paul makes references to sports to demonstrate the connection between physical and the spiritual. For instance, he shows that both fitness and godliness can be achieved through discipline: "Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (1 Tim 4:7-8) The commitment to health and fitness ought be be fueled by the motivation to glorify God: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31).
Now, with the right motivation and purpose, here are some tips to health and wellbeing for 2011!
1) The gym/your team is your mission field
Think of the fitness center as the place to connect with unbelievers. Through the years, I've made many great friends through table-tennis and volleyball. Sports create great opportunities to bond and to share God's love(:
2) Change your prayers
What do you pray for before you eat a meal? Of course, we ought to give thanks to God for His provision and grace. But the next time before you eat, what about praying that whether you eat or drink you do it for the glory of the Lord? Pray that you would control yourself from overeating. Keep yourself away from fast foods or quick fixes. Eat healthy food!
3) Develop a lifestyle of wellbeing
Make it a habit to eat well and exercise. Almost like not having your teeth brushed or your QT done, not being active ought to trigger something inside you. Seek accountability with someone who will motivate you to maintain healthy eating habits. Walk up stairs instead of taking the elevator(but not for my case cos I live on the 25th floor!). Refrain from liquid calories!!! Force yourself to make time for the gym or do some activities!!!
Welcome!:)
