As Christians, we know that God, our Heavenly Father, Creator of the universe is in control of our lives. After all, we made the choice to give our lives back to Him and allow Him access to all areas of our life.
We willingly give Him permission and trust Him fully to do with our lives as He desires.
We want Him to be given all glory. We know that without Him our lives are fruitless.
So what do I mean when I say we need to take control of our lives?
I believe our lives need to be lived with intention. We need to take deliberate steps to not only position ourselves where we believe God wants us to be, but we need to care for ourselves physically and emotionally, as well as spiritually. We have been given our bodies, our minds and a free will, but in order for God to outwork His perfect plan for our lives, we need to care for them.
I’m sure your intention, as is mine, is to be the best I can be for Him.
Let me give you an example of what I mean.
If you have a car, you want it to work well, right? You get it serviced at the right time, you put the correct fuel in it (hopefully), you make sure it has water in the radiator, the tyres are pumped up and the gauges aren’t displaying anything that they shouldn’t. If it makes strange noises, you take it to a mechanic. Correct?
After all, we rely on our cars and don’t want them to let us down. They have a purpose.
We know what they need to keep them going and do our best to maintain them. They are a valuable asset.
But what about our own personal wellbeing? How much intention and deliberate care do we take with that? Do we leave some things to chance? Hope for the best? Do we just get caught up doing life at the expense, wellbeing and longevity of our bodies?
Over the past few years, I have experienced firsthand the need and importance of a body to be in the best condition and state it can be in order for it to function as well as it can. I want to be as active and productive for God as I can be. I’m sure you feel the same way.
That is our intention, but it doesn’t just happen on its own. We need to take control of what we have been given and steward it the best we can.
Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. How seriously do we take our health and wellbeing?
As I said earlier, I have experienced firsthand how important it is to be as well-positioned as we can be with our health. If we care for our unique and individual bodies, which we know we should, it takes effort and discipline. But the rewards far outweigh the effort.
- It allows us to function fully with a clear mind and a positive attitude.
- If we feel well, we reflect that in all we do.
This isn’t meant to be a lecture on what or what not to put in your bodies. It is simply the testimony of someone who has personally experienced the difference between allowing my spirit to control what I do with (and to) my body and allowing my soul (emotions) to take over. At times, my soul is so noisy (especially when there is chocolate in the cupboard).
When my spirit is in control, I’m in a state of complete contentment and wellness. I am in this state because I have allowed my spirit to do what is best for me.
That doesn’t always mean I’m in perfect health. I still may have health issues, but if I rely on doing what I know is best for me and my body during those times, the outcome is still a state of wellbeing. I have my part to play in achieving this.
My recent journey with cancer has highlighted so many important lessons and taught me so many lifelong strategies that, with God’s help and wisdom, I have implemented into my life to move forward in a positive and healthier way than ever before.
Do I rely on God for my future? Yes, of course. My life is in His hands and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But I have my part to play in that. I have to be honest with myself and with all of you. We are responsible for how we live and how we care for ourselves. God in His wisdom has given us the ability to know what is right for us and what isn’t. He lets us make those choices that equip us for the future. It can’t just be about instant gratification. We need to look long term.
You don’t need me or anyone else to tell you that.
Can I encourage you to take time to care for yourself? Be spirit led. Take control of your soul (emotions). Then you will be in the best place to help others do the same. What better way to bring glory to God?