I think we would all agree that God is concerned with our spiritual maturity. But did you know that God is also concerned with the physical aspect of your life — that is to say, with your actual, physical body?
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version), we are told that each of our bodies is “a temple of the Holy Spirit” and that each of us, having been purchased at a price (Christ’s death on the cross), should now proceed to glorify God with his or her body. In Romans 12:1 (NIV), we are further urged to present our bodies as “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.”
Are you familiar with the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30? It illustrates the principle that God expects us to be good stewards of whatever He has given us. How well this principle applies to our physical bodies which, like our time, our talents and our other resources, are gifts of God to be used for His glory!
I would like to share with you 10 key principles that relate to the stewardship of our physical bodies, or “temples.” Craig Smith, a former Cru staff member, is the person who conceptualized most of these principles, and I wish to hereby acknowledge his valuable contribution.
Pray that God will impress on you particular needs in the physical area of your life as you read. As He does, jot them down. Don’t try to document every conceivable idea that is applicable to you. Just note the ones that you might be willing to consider as 6-to-12-month objectives in the near future.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to healthy living,
Steve Douglass, Cru president
This article was originally published in “Managing Yourself” by Steve Douglass.
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