Mind | Body | Soul

Ever had roommates? Maybe you have some right now. Did you ever have any that were messy or complacent? It can draining when you’re doing your best to keep the place clean, honour other roommates and well, use the space? Shouldn’t we take the same principles into affect when caring for our bodies? Our bodies are intended to be healthy and strong. Always. That means eating well, exercising regularly; honouring the privilege to have a body. What if I were to tell you that a body not cared of is the same as a spiritual life not tended to? We are spiritual beings, but we are also physical beings – flesh and blood. Our minds, bodies and souls are connected – like the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. They do NOT function alone. They are dependent on each other. THEY ARE ONE.

Peace in your temple

FACT: A number of studies have shown that a body not properly cared for, like a healthy diet and regular exercise, will face consequences.

What we put into our bodies and the amount exercise we engage in affect us. Like a life living in sin, we might get away with it for a while, but eventually our luck runs out and our sins catches up with us. The strength of the mind and connection with the soul suffer from unhealthy living – tremendously. How we take care of our bodies is as important as us tending to our prayer and devotional lives. Your mind, body and soul are connected. “Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own.” -1 Corinthians 6:19 AMP  We are not our own. It’s your responsibility to keep your temple running well. A temple is to be clean, a place of peace and running efficiently.

You’re a Ferrari, not a Pinto

If you had a Ferrari would you use the same gas and oil you use in your lawnmower or a Pinto? Most people don’t treat themselves as the Ferrari they are. Our bodies are incredible tools. Learn to harness yours correctly. Stop treating it as a lawnmower, fuel it with the right fuel, take it out regularly and open it up and appreciate it. IF we are living holy lives we are ALSO living healthy lives. There is no separation.

Don’t take it for granted

Things often seem much worse than when are bodies are not well and out of sync. Our spirit is greatly affected. A little on MY STORY. I was once a guy, travelling too much with work (every week), mot eating well, drinking too much. I didn’t exercise at all, really. I would go 2 or 3 months without getting out for a run or the gym. That type of lifestyle compounded with stress and lack of sleep from a rigorous work schedule began to have signifiant consequences on me. My body began to break down. My mind and soul suffered. I would have nosebleeds that wouldn’t stop. I struggled to make decisions, I was overwhelmed with anxiety and I lacked confidence and initiative to do anything about it. I wanted to GIVE UP. It felt like every part in me wanted to throw it all away. Thankful that I have a praying mother and dad that didn’t give up on me and continued to pray through the darkness.

It can be different

“I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.” 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 MSG. Thankfully, through that challenging time it brought me back to God and into a community that helped restore my hope. My desire to change my life was ignited and I began running with this new community. We did it together. 

Honour your body

Mistreatment of our temple (the body) is an abomination. When we honor our bodies we honour God. Filling our bodies with unhealthy food and drink (or excess of anything), not resting and appreciating what we have is insulting – we aren’t genuinely being thankful. And we’re taking what we have for granted. “So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honour and glory of God.”  1 Corinthians 10:31 AMP. 

Challenge: live differently

Eat well, healthy and balanced. Be mindful: garbage in is garbage out. Exercise your body like you do your mind and spirit. It can be hard work, but it gets easier in time and with a little perseverance. It is worth the fight! All things that are challenging and take dedication are worth fighting for. I remind myselr daily, “My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. I will keep it clean and honour it.” I train my body and flesh so that I can better train my mind. With those connected my commitment to His will and spirit can be healthy.