In this blog I'm going to be starting a short series looking at how we can live a life that honours Jesus in every area. Whether at school, work, with friends, playing football or even what we're eating we are called to do it for God.
Colossians 3:17 says:
'And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of
the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.' (NIV)
This is one of those things that is easy to say but not always so easy to do. Whether you have been a Christian for years or just a few weeks, getting God into every area of your life can be tough. Despite it being tough though, I think it is important that we put the effort in and aim to more Christ like.
One area that I have always struggled with is my health and looking after my body. I'm a big fan of food and have always struggled with weight. It is only recently though, that I have seen the importance of allowing God to work in this area of my life. God wants us to look after ourselves:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says:
'Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within
you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought
with a price. So glorify God in your body.' (ESV)
Lately I have seen the importance of not over eating, and it has given me a desire to do something about it. I was initially inspired by seeing my Mum lose some weight and how it impacted her life. It has brought me to the stage where I want to get in shape for a few reasons.
1) For health reasons, I was at a dangerous weight and it is not good for my body.
2) For my self-esteem, I have never been happy with being over weight and it has definitely impacted my confidence.
3) For my role as a Youth Minister, I want young people to know the importance of looking after themselves and being confident in themselves and I can not do this with integrity if I'm not living it out myself.
4) Finally and most importantly: God! I want to look after myself because God has created me and wants the best for me. The least I can do is look after the body He created.
I have lost 3 stone and 10 pounds so far and still have a way to go, but however long it takes I am confident I'm doing it for the right reasons and not because of other people or the media's opinion.
Looking after ourselves is not just about weight though and I think that consumption of alcohol, drugs and various other vices can cause serious damage. The way the world looks at sex and encourages people that it's fine to have sex with anyone is another way people don't look after their bodies. It encourages us to take something that God has made so precious and trample all over it.
Looking after the spiritual side of who we are is massively important too! Prayer, Bible, having loving people around us and having community through church are all essential to help us grow but also these things help us to keep looking after ourselves. I want the young people I work with to understand that our lives are a
gift and whilst God wants us to have fun, He also wants us to look after ourselves in every way.
This blog isn't about trying to make you as the reader feel guilty every time you have a mars bar, but instead I want people to understand how God wants us to look after ourselves. It's not always easy and that is why we need accountability from friends and family. I know I could not have lost as much weight so far without my wife and other people supporting me.
Thanks for reading and please feedback on here or through Facebook if you have any thoughts on this blog.
