YOUR BODY
YOUR CHOICES
So then each of us give account of himself to God.
-
Romans 14:12
FOCUS FOR TODAY
You're the human being whom God
has entrusted with the responsibility of caring
for your body. So it's always the right time
to become proactive about your health.
As adults, each of us bears a personal responsibility for the general state or our own physical health. Certainly, various aspects of health are beyond our control; illness sometimes strikes even the healthiest men and women. But for most if us, physical health is a choice; it is the result of hundreds of small decisions that we make everyday of our lives. If we make decisions that promote good health, our bodies respond. But if we fall into bad habits and undisciplined lifestyles, we suffer tragic consequences.
When our unhealthy habits lead to poor health, we find it all too easy to look beyond ourselves and assign blame. In fact, we live in a society where blame has been a national obsession; we blame cigarette manufacturers, restaurants, and food producers, to name only a few. But to blame others is to miss the point: we, and we alone, are responsible for the way we treat our bodies. And the sooner we accept that responsibility, the sooner we can assert control over our bodies and our lives.
Do you sincerely desire to improve your physical fitness? If so, start by taking personal responsibility for the body that God has given you. Then, make the solemn pledge to yourself that you will begin to make the changes that are required to enjoy a longer, healthier, happier life.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY
It's easy to blame other people for the current state of your health. You live in a world where it's fashionable to blame food manufactures, doctors, and fast-food restaurants, to mention a few. Yet none of these folks force food into your mouth, and they don't force you to sit on the sofa when you should be exercising! So remember; it's your body...and it's your responsibility.
MORE FROM GOD'S WORD
Proverbs 20:11
New International Version (NIV)
11 Even small children are known by their actions,
so is their conduct really pure and upright?
so is their conduct really pure and upright?
Galatians 6:4-5
New International Version (NIV)
4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
11 Light shines on the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.
12 Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 16:11
New International Version (NIV)
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 97:11-12
New International Version (NIV)
11 Light shines on the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.
Psalm 90:12
New International Version (NIV)
12 Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
MORE THOUGHTS ABOUT
TAKING RESPONSIBILITY
If you don't take care of your body, how can you expect your body to take care of you? - Marie T Freeman
As we make an offering of our work, we find the truth of a principle Jesus taught: Fulfillment is not a goal to achieve, but always the by-product of a sacrifice. - Elisabeth Elliot
Although God causes all things to work together for good for His children, He still holds us accountable for our behavior. - Kay Arthur
Whether we know it or not, whether we agree with it or not, whether we practice it or not, whether we like it or not, we are accountable to one another. - Charles Stanley
Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
THE FUTILITY OF THE BLAME GAME
When our unhealthy habits lead to poor health, we find it all too easy to look beyond ourselves and assign blame. Why? Because blaming is much easier than fixing, and criticizing others is so much easier than improving ourselves. So instead of solving our problems legitimately (by doing the work required to solve them), we are inclined to fret, to blame, and to criticize, while doing precious little else. When we do, our problems, quite predictably, remain unsolved.
So, when it comes to your own body, assume control and accept responsibility. It's a great way to live and a great way to stay healthy.
WORKING IT OUT
GOOD INTENTIONS ARE NOT ENOUGH
The road to poor health is paved with good intentions. Until you make exercise a high priority in your life, your good intentions will soon give way too old habits. So give your exercise regimen a position of high standing on your daily to-do list.
BEWARE THE CHECKOUT LINE
Unless you are a hermit living on a deserted island, you pass through those check-out lines awash in tabloids and tasty treats. Of course, the retailer's strategy is straightforward: to get you to make a quick impulse purchase. So most times, you'll come face-to-face with an assortment of candies, chips, and ore-packed cookies. What's needed by you is willpower. Otherwise, you'll form the habit of impulsively munching on fat-laden, life-shortening snacks.
So here's your rule for the for the checkout lines of life: yield not to temptation. Keep your eyes and your hands to yourself, and leave all those unhealthy snacks on the shelf....or else.
STRENGTHENING YOUR FAITH
BUILDING A BETTER SELF-IMAGE
When you accept responsibilities and fulfill them, you'll feel better about yourself. When you avoid your obligations, you wont. Act accordingly.
MORE FROM GOD'S WORD ABOUT
DOING THE RIGHT THING
Habakkuk 2:4
New International Version (NIV)
4 “See, the enemy is puffed up;
his desires are not upright—
but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness
his desires are not upright—
but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness
1 John 2:17
New International Version (NIV)
17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
1 Peter 3:12
New International Version (NIV)
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
2 Timothy 2:22
New International Version (NIV)
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
12 Sow righteousness for yourselves,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the LORD,
until he comes
and showers his righteousness on you.
Hosea 10:12
New International Version (NIV)
12 Sow righteousness for yourselves,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the LORD,
until he comes
and showers his righteousness on you.
NOTES TO YOURSELF
Write down at least three things you need to take responsibility for today.
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