Maintaining a healthy body

« For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. » (Romans 12:4-8)

A healthy body is one where all members function the way they were created to do so. When one part of the body is not functioning, it is called a pathology or a handicap. More than ever before, the Body of Christ must be brought back to good health. YOU are part of that body. There is far too much at stake in our day and age to ignore your function or to neglect what is important for the well-being of the body as a whole.

For a healthy body, there are three aspects necessary: hygiene, healthy eating, and exercise. Spiritually, the same is true for the body of Christ. Hygiene refers to purification, and affects our love for each other, as seen in Peter’s exhortation to the believers : « Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart… » (1 Peter 1:22-23). The truth of God’s word acts as a soap or a disinfectant for our hearts. If we were as conscientious about cleansing our attitudes as we are about using hand sanitiser, we’d have a lot less hurt, offense and division.

Secondly, our spiritual food must be the kind that provides vitamins, and doesn’t just « tickle the ears » or satisfy the palate. in the human body, vitamins build your immune system, metabolize food into energy, support growth, synthesize hormones and activate enzymes for proper functioning of your body. Without vitamins, your body would not be able to function and maintain itself. Perhaps the Body of Christ should be looking to see that we are getting the right spiritual vitamins from the Word of God, for « All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. » (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Finally, exercise represents putting into practice the word of God so that the house will withstand the storms of life. (Matthew. 7:24-26) This is true both individually and collectively, which is why we come together to pray, seek the face of God, and hear His directives as a church family.

ACTION POINT: Develop a specific plan of action for studying God’s word. PRAYER TARGET: Pray that every member of the Body of Christ would be

intentional about spiritual hygiene, deep study, and application of the truth.