3 Basic Steps for Getting in Shape

Written by John S. Powers

"Do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body." (1 Cor. 6:19-20, HCSB)

In context, Paul was talking about sexual purity to Corinthians who were offering two arguments to defend their sensuality.

1. "Everything is permissible for me" (6:12)
   This was a popular attitude in Corinth, based on an incorrect view of freedom in Christ. Jesus did not set any believer free to become enslaved in bondage of any type again.
2. "Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods" (6:13)
   They treated sex as an appetite to be satisfied and not as a gift to be treasured. In a word, their sensuality was to sex what gluttony was to eating. Both are wrong and both bring devastating consequences.

Strength for the Journey: Biblical Perspective on Discouragement & Depression

My point? It seems that I am learning that wherever I use my body as an instrument of any sin (Romans 6:13-14), it's still sin! My diet patterns had become as damaging to my physical body as any other kind of sin.

It was like the Holy Spirit said to me, "John, your body is a temple ... not an amusement park." After repentance, I realized it was time to surrender my body as a place of worship. Today, I choose to make it a temple in His honor!

The steps I took coincided with a medical physical. Results of blood work revealed that my cholesterol was 272, which served as another warning sign and motivation to go into action. Pastor, if any of these things have spoken to you, wouldn't you agree that it is time to shape up? Here are some of the things I am doing:

1. Determine a baseline physically.
Get a complete physical with a trusted doctor. I mean go the phone and set the appointment…now! The report may hold some startling news for you, but you will not be better by not knowing your physical condition.

My doctor shared that in addition to high cholesterol, my triglycerides levels exceeded 400. Not good numbers ... but not insurmountable to overcome and get under control. I went on medication for the cholesterol and was counseled about how to bring down the triglycerides to healthy levels.

2. Change eating patterns progressively.
My goal is simple. The longer the day wears on the smaller the meals I eat. I eat breakfast every day I eat breakfast that includes eggs, fruit and juice. Eating breakfast holds me until lunch. Often that is a sandwich (watch the mayo) and a salad. Dinnertime includes fruit, salad or homemade soup. Also, I drink one gallon of water every day. In spite of the fact that I love sweet tea, have stopped 99% of my caffeine intake. I watch the fatty foods too! Peanut butter, french fries, red meat, etc.

My thinking is changing about food. One motivating thought that constantly haunts me is: "If I am willing to wear it, then it's okay to eat it!"

3. Get active immediately.
At the end of last year, I set several goals physically. For example:

• Develop a discipline of daily exercise.
  This includes cardio-vascular workout and weights. My goal includes 500 crunches each morning and getting my heart rate up for approximately 20 minutes.
  
  
• Lose 25 pounds this next year.
  My ideal weight is 168. Today I am 195.
  
  
• Participate in a 10K in May.
  I have yet to start training for it. But, I have my eyes on that goal and will complete it.

About John Powers

Dr. Powers is the author of Redefining Church Membership and The BodyLife Journey - Guiding Believers into Ministry. A pastor for 22 years, Dr. Powers received his master's of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He considers The BodyLife Journey a personal life-message from the Lord.