Things Above Thoughts
TAT #118 Health and Body Building
We are spiritual beings living in a physical world but do we view and perceive the physical world from a spiritual mind set (Colossians 3:1–2; Romans 8:4–5)? Do we truly believe that spiritual thinking and a spiritual active character impacts our physical world? Over the next few TATs we will examination five areas of our lives that can provide answers to that question.
Area #5 Personal Health – Body Building
A healthy lifestyle is to eat right, exercise and get plenty of rest. Many of us have heard this all of our lives. Ecclesiastes 8:12 says that even a sinner may lengthen his life but is that a good thing? Do we actually want to live longer in a sinful state? Consider these points:
Eat Right: Christ told us that we cannot live on bread alone but that we should live on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. He also spoke about living, eternal water (Matthew 4:4; John 4:10–14).
Exercise: 1 Timothy 4:7b–8 tells us “bodily discipline (exercise) is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” Proverbs 4:10–22 tells us that godliness is healthy. Psalm 38:3 and 31:10 tells us that sin produces unhealthy bones. (Even during times of unjust suffering, when illness may come upon those living a righteous life, godliness can see us through that illness (Job)).
Rest: Lastly Hebrews chapter 4 tells us there is a 24/7 godly rest for God’s people who are obedient to God.
The bottom line here is: If we are focused more on our physical health than our spiritual health, just what type of body are we building? (See also 1 Cor. 3:10–14)