There are things we unintentionally and casually neglect in the now that we may pay through the nose for later. I remember when I was younger—teen and twenty-something—I didn’t really get this. I had an underlying “Immortality of youth” belief. In other words, I never paused to consider how habits, behaviors, and actions would affect my body, mind, opportunities, relationships, and Spirit, later on in life. I still have a hard time doing so in many instances.
In terms of my body, when younger, I was a partier. I abused alcohol and smoked cigarettes. I ate a lot of pizza and Krystal burgers. I exercised by default because I was an athlete. But I didn’t get enough sleep, ever. Now, I’ve struggled with overeating, eating/drinking too much sugar, drinking too much caffeine, not getting enough sleep. Exercise is a battle too. As a result I have had issues physically and mentally. My habits and behavior have affected my energy, mood, thinking, emotions, and perspective of life and even God. At times, I get cravings for nicotine and alcohol and a lot of sugar—mostly when I’m down or overwhelmed and want to escape it all.
My wife has helped me tremendously in these areas. She is very holistically health conscious. Her motto is “everything in moderation.” I try to eat until just a little over satisfied (yeah, I’m working on this one). I might drink a soda once a week. I rarely eat sugar except on special occasions, or when out with friends, or at parties. Cigarettes now make me sick (thank goodness). I’ll have a glass of wine maybe once a month (Jesus turned water into wine, not kool-aid). I eat a lot of fish. I take a lot of vitamins.
The Apostle Paul says, “You may say, ‘I am allowed to do anything.’ But I reply, ‘Not everything is good for you.’ And even though ‘I am allowed to do anything,’ I must not become a slave to anything. You say, ‘Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food.’ This is true, thought someday God will do away with the both of them. . . . [Our bodies] were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares for our bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:12-13).
That’s huge. Christ cares not only for our souls but also our bodies. He died to redeem our souls, minds, wills, and bodies. I have sought to dedicate and commit my body—and the habits and behaviors that affect it—to Christ. I want Christ to be all, even in my body. He is the only hope for my body, and the strength comes from Him to honor Him with my body.
What are you doing with your body. Better yet, what could you be doing to your body? How have you been affected? How are you seeking to honor God with your body in these areas?
I’d love to know a bit of your experience in this area.