wiese01@cox-internet.com

http://www.bodiesforchrist.com

The word of God tells us in 1 Corinthians 6 :19-20 that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we should honor God with our bodies. As a Christian, do you really believe that? If so, its time to change our thinking about the way we treat our temple. Our bodies should reflect the home headquarters of the Holy Spirit by being full of health and energy so we can be God’s hands and feet on the earth. Our body actually has a mission to accomplish and that’s to carry the spirit of God around to hurting people all over the world so they can know Jesus. 

In the world, the emphasis is completely on the physical and not about the inside, however, the church’s perception has been that focusing on the body is too carnal or its vanity. As Christians, we can have victory in every area, spirit, soul and even body. We can accomplish this through using the word of God to build our faith and through practical steps like exercise and healthy eating.  

The Center For Disease Control (www.cdcfoundation.org) says that obesity is now an epidemic in the United States. Over 60% of American adults are overweight or obese. I haven’t found any studies yet on obesity rates for Christians verses non-believers, but I would estimate that the percentage for churchgoers that are obese are higher. All you have to do is look around and I am sure you would agree. 

If you are overweight, you are more likely to develop health problems: such as, 

Heart Disease

Stroke

Diabetes

Various cancers

Gallbladder disease

Sleep apnea

Osteoarthritis 

Bottom line, the more overweight you are the greater the risk for health problems. It’s amazing to think that with small lifestyle changes, we can actually prevent many problems in our bodies. That is very encouraging. 

So, do you want to become FIT TO SERVE? I know you do and the way to do that is by making a decision. No one else can sew a seed of health but you. The choice is yours and you can’t blame anyone else. Let’s stop the excuses and get in our prayer closets and ask the Lord for wisdom and then choose life. “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life” Deuteronomy 30:19. “Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves servants (whom you choose) to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin or death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16. Remember, God will supply the power if we supply the will!  

Copyright 2003 by Sheri Wiese

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About the Writer:

Sheri Ayers Wiese is a certified aerobics instructor through American Council on exercise and holds a B.S. in Health and Exercise Science from Oral Roberts University. More importantly she is a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ with a vision to help people be whole in spirit, soul and body!