Introduction and Personal Struggles
OUR BODIES ARE TEMPLES!!! DID YOU KNOW THAT?
We face many difficulties as aging women in our bodies. We struggle with physical deterioration, pain, and various health issues, including the guilt associated with prioritizing self-care.
My personal experiences with significant health challenges such as spine surgeries, breast implant illness, and brain injuries, coupled with the stresses of childbearing and raising children have definitely taken me on a unique journey of healing. I had no choice but to do so because we have a biblical command to steward our bodies well.
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The Concept of Stewardship
I want to share with you that stewardship involves caring for or looking after something that doesn't belong to us, highlighting the belief that our bodies were created by God and for God. Understanding this concept leads to using our bodies as God intends. My journey with Victorious Christian Living Institute and my education to become a biblical counselor has opened my eyes to a better way to heal holistically. By focusing on the program called S.A.L.T. (Seven Areas of Life Training), which includes spiritual, psychological, social, physical, financial, marital, and parental aspects. I want to share five reasons why we should steward our bodies well and ten tips on living within God's will while doing so.
Five Reasons for Stewarding Our Bodies
1. Fulfilling God's Purpose
Marci emphasizes that a healthy body provides the energy and strength to fulfill the callings God has placed on our lives, enabling us to serve others, pursue passions, and walk the path God has laid out.
2. Honoring God
She cites 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, explaining that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be honored by taking care of them, showing respect for the gift from God.
3. Living a Full Life
Good health allows us to enjoy activities, build relationships, and make a positive impact. It helps us avoid bondage that prevents us from living life fully.
4. Mental and Emotional Well-being
Marci highlights the interconnectedness of physical health and mental/emotional well-being. Taking care of our bodies can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
5. Gratitude and Responsibility
Our bodies are incredible gifts from God, and stewarding them well shows gratitude and acknowledges the responsibility of maintaining them.
Ten Tips for Stewarding Your Body
1. Your Body is a Temple
Treat your body with respect, avoiding substances and activities that harm it. This honors Jesus' sacrifice and ensures we can serve God effectively. The Apostle Paul states in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." This verse emphasizes treating your body with respect, avoiding substances or activities that harm it.
2. Moderation is Key
Indulgence can become a form of idolatry. Be mindful of what you consume, as synthetic foods can negatively impact health. Balance is crucial in all aspects of life. Proverbs 23:21 advises, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat." Moderation allows you to experience God's blessings without becoming enslaved by them. We become what we consume, the food we eat and the things that we let into our minds.
3. The Gift of Rest
Rest is essential for recharging both the body and mind. Regular rest allows us to maintain our well-being and fulfill God's purpose for us. Exodus 20:10 reminds us, "Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work." Taking breaks fosters a healthier and more spiritually connected life.
4. Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to your body's needs, such as sleep, hydration, nutrition, and exercise. Ignoring these signals can lead to health problems. Proverbs 14:30 says, "A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot." Practical tips include winding down in the evening and ensuring adequate water intake. Many illnesses could be prevented or recovered from by drinking enough good water.
5. Move Your Body
Physical activity is vital for keeping muscles and joints functioning well, especially as we age. Regular exercise, such as walking and stretching, improves overall well-being. 1 Timothy 4:8 says, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." Regular exercise strengthens your body and improves the overall well-being of your mind, body, and soul.
6. Give Thanks for Good Food
Approach meals with gratitude and make healthy food choices to nourish your body. Saying a blessing over food and involving others in this practice reinforces gratitude and sets a positive example. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
7. Manage Your Stress
Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as prayer, spending time in nature, and connecting with loved ones. Exercise and laughter are also effective stress relievers. Proverbs 17:22 says, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Laughter releases healthy, happy hormones, such as dopamine, which help create balance within.
8. Avoid Substances That Harm
Avoid overindulgence and addiction, as warned in Proverbs 20:1. I shared my personal struggle with alcohol and how God helped me overcome it, emphasizing the importance of choosing life over destructive habits. This tip extends to other addictive substances that can damage your body and mind.
9. Seek Natural Healing Through God's Pharmacy First and Medical Help When Needed
God created healing herbs and plants for our use. Trust in natural remedies that work with your body. While I am grateful for Western medicine's critical care, understanding and using God's natural provisions can address root causes rather than just symptoms. Proverbs 16:3 commands, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will be established." God provided for you everything that you would need because He is a loving Father.
10. Stewardship Over Creation
Genesis 1:28 speaks of our responsibility to take care of God's creation. This includes our bodies and extends to the environment around us. Volunteer, recycle, conserve water and energy, and use your talents and gifts to make a positive impact. By following these principles, you show gratitude for the gift of your body and use it to glorify God in all that you do.
Using Gifts and Talents
I also want to highlight the importance of using and sharing our God-given gifts and talents. By developing and sharing these abilities, I believe we not only fulfill our potential but also inspire and help others. I encourage you to be a light for others, demonstrating what can be achieved through God's guidance. This, I assert, is another form of stewardship and a way to glorify God.
Self-Care as a Responsibility
I truly believe that taking care of yourself is not selfish at all. In fact, it's the opposite. When we prioritize our health and well-being, we are better able to serve and care for others. I've put together ten tips that I think will help you on your self-care journey. By looking after your body and mind, you're not only honoring yourself but also showing love to those around you. Remember, your health is a precious gift that allows you to be the best version of yourself for the people who care about you.
Conclusion
Implementing these tips into your life regularly is not selfish; it is essential. Your family, friends, community, and the world deserve you at your best. By focusing on what God says about your body as a temple and stewarding your health, you live within God's safety net for a healthy, long life. Choose thriving longevity and join me in this journey.
Remember, I love you, God loves you, and you are enough and deserving of the life of your dreams.
God bless you.
- Marci
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