Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
This passage of scripture teaches us the sacred and solemn truth, that because our bodies are the purchased possession of Christ, we are therefore under sacred obligation to present ourselves as a living sacrifice unto Him, holy and acceptable, and in the best condition possible so that we can be used effectively in His service. This aspect of Christian living does not receive the attention that is due, because many of us may think that the plan of redemption is only spiritual in nature, pertaining to faith, good works, the forgiveness of sins, and prayer and praise. Now while it is true that all of these other aspects are to receive proper attention, yet the issue of presenting our bodies in the best physical and spiritual condition possible, is a mandate given to us by God, through the apostle Paul. Let's read:
1st Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
The abundant life which God grants to all those who truly believe covers the entire spectrum of our physical and spiritual being, and the proper care of our body is an integral part of God's great plan to make us whole again. This sacred truth is reflected in God's desire for us, that we should prosper and be in health, even as our souls prosper, for all aspects are complimentary to each other, and are given much detailed consideration by God. It is true that if we are sickly we can still have faith, and serve The Lord to the best of our ability, but it is always better to be in sound health, so that the fine balance between the physical and the spiritual can be optimized in service to God and to others. This point is specifically mentioned as the wise man makes a stirring appeal to those who are younger, and still full of vigor and vitality. Let's read:
Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. 3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened.
We cannot mistreat our physical frame by ingesting the worst kinds of junk foods, and those items which produce harmful effects on our systems, and then expect God to be glorified in our bodies. Neither can we deliberately expose our minds to that which is carnal and sensual in nature, and then expect our thoughts and actions to be holy and undefiled. We are what we eat, and we become that which we allow our minds to dwell upon, and because of this it is imperative that we make the utmost efforts to bring our entire lives into harmony with what we know is right.
One of the reasons why it is so difficult for many Christians to grasp and understand the deep truths of God's word which lie hidden beneath the surface, is because of what we eat and drink, and also because of what we watch on television. As a general rule of thumb, the many shows and soap operas on the cable networks keep our minds up at an unnaturally high and feverish pitch, being aggravated by the flashing lights, sounds, and hilarity that often accompany such presentations. So when it comes time for quiet study and sober reflection, there isn't the same superficial energy, interest, or motivation, and many of us actually fall asleep whilst reading or praying, thereby offering to God a lame offering, instead of a sacrifice that should be in pristine condition.
In all that we do there should be one driving motive ever kept before our faces, will God be pleased and glorified by what we're about to do, say, or eat? And if not, it would be best left alone, rather than compromise the quality of our sacrifice. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which calls upon us to live according to every word given by God, pertaining to our spiritual and physical health, for both are important to life, service, and longevity. Let's read:
1st Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!