I remember sometime ago I had the motto, “A consecrated life is a healthy life.” Some people might say that’s overstating it but at that time the realization had hit me in a new way that giving all to God includes our bodies and so we honor God by taking the steps within our power to be healthy. This includes what we put in and what we do with our bodies.
I had cause to think about this again recently and to remember that the more healthy we are, the better we can do the work God has prepared for us to do. Of course, there are circumstances over which we have no control. However, generally, we do have control over the quality and the quantity of what we consume, whether or not we exercise, etc. It’s about choice.
The Bible addresses the matter of choice in different ways at different times. There is a general encouragement to be moderate. There’s the other piece about greed as idolatry. Then there’s the bit about not loving the world – the desire of the flesh and the eyes, etc. So often our choices are guided by what looks and feels good rather than what is good.
So we can choose – the things that lead to health and better life and better witness, or to just do whatever. We have that freedom, but each has its own result.
We often rejoice that in Christ we have been set free from many of the rules and regulations of the former covenant. How true is that? In any case, one thing about that covenant;there is a recognition that we are integrated people and so worship, diet, etc are related in our living for God.
Being involved in God’s mission is not a blind pursuit. Clarity of thought, energy, and the ability to focus help us to be more attentive to God’s voice, more available and better witnesses, notwithstanding that God graciously and mercifully accepts and uses all that we are, however weak that may be. But yes. That health thing does matter.
By Claire Smith: www.missionandyouth.com
