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. ~ I Corinthians 6:19, 20 (ESV)
READING: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Pastor and author John Maxwell admits that he lied to himself for many years before having a heart attack. His lie was that others needed to eat right, exercise and take care of their “temples,” but he was an exception. Because he had not missed a preaching or teaching commitment due to illness for many years, he thought he was the exception to the rules of health maintenance. Then one day, as he lay in a hospital wondering if this was the end, he admitted the truth. His “clay pot” (II Cor. 4:7) was as fragile as anyone else’s.
Many church planting leaders make the same mistake and take their health for granted – until they lose it. We lie to ourselves thinking that since we are in God’s Work, He will negate our physical health sins of commission and omission. Here are some of those “sins”:
• Health sins of commission: overworking, overeating, eating unhealthy food, worry, overstress, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, sexual sin
• Health sins of omission: neglecting exercise, neglecting sleep and Sabbath rest, not taking advantage of available checkups and healthcare, ignoring medical advice
Sure, you may have an amazing ministry, a fantastic family and a wonderful devotional life, but if you neglect “temple time” you may pay a heavy price. John Maxwell survived his heart attack, but many don’t.
Take the temple time you need to care for your one and only body.
Lord, I confess that I have abused Your temple, my body. Please help me to invest the time and effort to maintain my health. Amen.
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