Becoming Physically Healthy is Vital

Intro:
Physical challenges can both slow us up in ministry and shipwreck us. Exhaustion through lack of sleep, health issues through too much of the wrong foods or not enough, or simply due to environmental or family of origin issues can also slow us down or impede us from following God’s call most effectively.

Opening Prayer:

Good morning Lord. It’s so good to be with you again. To feel your embrace. To know your presence and peace.

Thank you Jesus that whether my body is tired or sore, healthy or unhealthy I still know you’re with me.

Amen.

Bible verse –
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬-‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Reflection –
The race that we’re running is one that Jesus runs with us. We’re not competing against others. Only with ourselves. To fulfil all the Father has for us to do. Following his will and purpose.

To run our race, we need our body to be healthy. Clearly in this passage we see the Holy Spirit through Paul challenge us to make our body our slave so that we do not fight aimlessly. The thought is that we mustn’t shipwreck because of physical collapse.

So many Pastors burnout because they’re exhausted. The adrenaline highs and lows, the sugar highs and lows all create potential for exhaustion.

And speaking of sugar…where I am right now is one of the largest sugar export regions in the world. But sugar is such a temptation and distraction. It’s so yummy. But too much is so harmful.

Christian leaders have sometimes said to me…the only sin that we can legitimately indulge in is overeating…they may be overweight or obese and be ok about it.

Apart from the obvious verses in Scripture challenging gluttony and calling it sin equally alongside other serious sins, overeating is bad for us. It makes us unhealthy and will stop us from fulfilling all the Lord has called us to.

How can you serve him with full energy dragging around an extra 44 pounds (20kgs)? It’s challenging isn’t it. Losing weight is hard. I know. But it might be one of the most important discipleship steps for you right now. I’ve personally had to face this at times.

Don’t give up. Just like with each area of our lives. Our body is to serve Jesus, surrendered to him and to his purpose. But be encouraged, not overwhelmed.

Paul clearly wants us to ‘beat our body’. Sounds like exercise is pleasing to the Holy Spirit too. So he’ll help us if we ask him.

He doesn’t judge us, but comes alongside and strengthens us. Just like always.

Prayer –
Thank you Holy Spirit that you come alongside and strengthen me not only in the Spirit and in my other areas of discipleship, but also you promise to strengthen me physically. I want to walk with you. I’m living for you in all I do, including what I eat and how I exercise.

Help me Lord to do what please you rather than just what my taste buds enjoy. Or watching that extra Netflix program sitting on the couch, rather than exercising.

I love you Jesus. Thank you that you love me just as I am. And that you’re making me into who you call me to be to do what you call me to do.

Amen.

Additional things to add to this week’s email:

During a particularly dark time in the Second World War, Winston Churchhill famously said:
“Never give up. Never, never give up. Never, never, never give up.” I couldn’t say it better myself. Whatever you’re facing, don’t give up. Reach out to the Lord, to trusted Christian friends and don’t give up.