YOUR BODY, GODS' TEMPLE

(There was no devotion on Dec 26th,10)

As 2011 approaches the big thing to do is make a new years resolution. How many resolutions are made but broken? The biggest resolution made yearly is probably to lose weight. In the Bible it says "our bodies are God's temple" (read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Do you take care of your body? Do you abuse it with bad food you know is not good for you? Do you drink too much alcohol? How about smoking? The Bible does not say to not smoke but it certainly can't be healthy to turn our bodies into smoke stacks and we know it is linked to lung cancer. Do you mark your body up with tattoos?Those seem to be the in thing in todays' world but read Leviticus 19:28 for some insight there. Even sex outside of marriage is abusive to the body and not part of God's plan as it can lead to diseases and emotional problems. (See 1 Corinthians 6:15 and Hebrews 13:4).

It does not take a lot of effort to start a new healthy lifestyle. First think about God living inside of you. Does God want us to be lazy and lethargic? A lot of health issues today could be alleviated if we took care of the temple of God, our body. There may be those of us out there who justify their sedentary lifestyle by misquoting or misusing the verse in 1 Timothy that says 'bodily exercise profits little' (1 Timothy 4:8). Granted there are medical issues that may prevent a person from taking up running, for instance, but ask yourself as you look in the mirror if you are taking care of God's temple and if not what you plan to do about it.

Start today, do not wait til January 1st and decide what in your life needs to be changed and as Nike says, "Just do it!' The enemy does not want you to take care of your body. He would rather have you sick and tired and laying around doing nothing for the kingdom of God. Purpose in your heart today you will get on the right track, no pun intended, and wake up each day and seize the day. Do not allow yourself to lay around and be lazy. For starters go out for a walk. " But it's winter and it is cold' you may say. That is why stores sell gloves and hats. Bundle up and go out and enjoy God's kingdom no matter what season it is.

Basically take care of the body God gave you. You do not buy a new car and not put oil in it, wash it, and do maintenance. If you do not take care of your car it will fall apart and not last long. Our bodies belong to God so unlike your car you should want to take care of it for the glory of God. Ask God for discipline to not pick up cookies and to get out and walk. God can help you and he can give you the strength to do all things.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

PRAYER: Lord many may need discipline in their life. Give those reading this the discipline to wake up daily and get in your word and  to exercise  physically each day as well.We know our body is your temple. Forgive us when we have not taken care of it. Help me no longer make excuses and get going to take care of what you have blessed me with. In Jesus Name. Amen.