Continue to Decide. Commit. Glorify!
Our underlying theme for 2016 was, "Decide. Commit. Glorify!" One of the verses we utilized for our theme was 1 Corinthians 10:31, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
I want to challenge you to continue to glorify God as we move into 2017.
Introduction:
We could talk about glorifying God is so many ways, but the one way I wish to encourage today is by talking about taking care of the physical bodies God has given to us. The verse above emphasizes that even in our eating and drinking we can glorify God. Do we?
I faced an agressive form of skin cancer in August of 2013. The surgery called for the removal of the skin in part of my trapezius muscle area (in my left upper back). Such experiences can change a person, and I did me. At this time, I decided I would begin three simple exercises to gain control of my body, as well as, seeking to eat a little better by eating for energy and not for recreation. This has been a slow process, but I believe it has allowed me to glorify God just a little more with my body (which is God's). Ultimately, I understand God is the giver and taker of my life. My pursuits to care for my body are to the glory of God, not to the length of life. There are many things that lengthen or shorten life according to God's Word, but this post is to encourage us to focus on taking care of our bodies to glorify God - not to wow man! I want to encourage preachers especially (you are leading people) to doing something for your physical health...don't forget to be a good example in health and fitness as well, as well as, spiritual matters.
Are you glorifying God in taking care of your God-given body? You may ask, "How do I do this?" I'm glad you asked. The following ways can aid you in taking care of you body for God's glory, and remember, if you aim at nothing, you'll miss every time:
I. Realize your body is God's and you are to steward it well.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
1 Corinthians 4:2 "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
You didn't create your body. God did. Take care of it!
II. Remember your body is not your god, but GOD is God, and He is the one you are living for.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
We are not to take care of our bodies to be prideful or show off. (There'll always be someone who is stronger, leaner, thinner, able to run further or faster, can do more, etc/)We are to take care of them for the furtherance of the ministry...which glorifies God.
III. Resist being gluttonous or harmful to your body.
Now, I love Peanut Butter M&M's and pizza, but I've been limiting my amount intake. I've also put to practice for years now Proverbs 23:1-3, "When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat."
This verse has taught me portion size and to watch my greed when eating. Even in the event of being invited to some else's table to freely eat when they have a bountiful spread, I must keep a good testimony in this way. I don't ask for more. I determine to be satisfied with one plate, and if the host/hostess insists on me more having more...I may, or I may humble resist, depending.
This also means, don't put things into your body that will bring a harmful outcome for whatever reason.
IV. React to the Spirit of God in you.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 "...exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." In 2016, I posted exercise goals, and I accomplished those today (pictured here). Toward the last part of this year, I intertwined P90X3 in to the mix after utilizing P90X for a couple years...along with running and other fitness opportunities.
HERE'S THE KEY: During almost every workout, I made it a point to quote the verse mentioned above. I just wanted to be sure I'd keep the right mindset. If I felt I was getting to focused on myself...I'd pause, kneel, and lift up my voice to God in prayer. If the Spirit of God wanted me to prove to God that He was more important than the workout by quitting my exercise for the day, I would do it. I must always keep God the first. Never myself. Never others. God first. We are not to be a prideful people. Life is not about us or what we can do, but it's all about what God can do and is doing. That's WHO we need to promote!
Conclusion:
I'm not forcing my way or another's way on anyone. I'm simply challenging Christianity to take care of their bodies for God's glory. Let's be good representatives for our God, for man locket on the outward appearance.
Our exercising can be for the glory of God. Our food intake (what I eat, how often, and how much) can be for the glory of God. The situations we put our bodies into can be for the glory of God. It's not about being tiny in figure, large in muscle, or of the mind set, "I can do what I want, eat what I want, or live how I want." It's all about the glory of God.
Let's take care of our bodies for the King of kings and Lord of lords by purposing to continue glorying Him in this way.
Blessed beyond measure,
Pastor Justyn Smith • Crossroads Baptist Church • Peoria, IL
I want to challenge you to continue to glorify God as we move into 2017.
Introduction:
We could talk about glorifying God is so many ways, but the one way I wish to encourage today is by talking about taking care of the physical bodies God has given to us. The verse above emphasizes that even in our eating and drinking we can glorify God. Do we?
I faced an agressive form of skin cancer in August of 2013. The surgery called for the removal of the skin in part of my trapezius muscle area (in my left upper back). Such experiences can change a person, and I did me. At this time, I decided I would begin three simple exercises to gain control of my body, as well as, seeking to eat a little better by eating for energy and not for recreation. This has been a slow process, but I believe it has allowed me to glorify God just a little more with my body (which is God's). Ultimately, I understand God is the giver and taker of my life. My pursuits to care for my body are to the glory of God, not to the length of life. There are many things that lengthen or shorten life according to God's Word, but this post is to encourage us to focus on taking care of our bodies to glorify God - not to wow man! I want to encourage preachers especially (you are leading people) to doing something for your physical health...don't forget to be a good example in health and fitness as well, as well as, spiritual matters.
Are you glorifying God in taking care of your God-given body? You may ask, "How do I do this?" I'm glad you asked. The following ways can aid you in taking care of you body for God's glory, and remember, if you aim at nothing, you'll miss every time:
I. Realize your body is God's and you are to steward it well.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
1 Corinthians 4:2 "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
You didn't create your body. God did. Take care of it!
II. Remember your body is not your god, but GOD is God, and He is the one you are living for.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
We are not to take care of our bodies to be prideful or show off. (There'll always be someone who is stronger, leaner, thinner, able to run further or faster, can do more, etc/)We are to take care of them for the furtherance of the ministry...which glorifies God.
III. Resist being gluttonous or harmful to your body.
Now, I love Peanut Butter M&M's and pizza, but I've been limiting my amount intake. I've also put to practice for years now Proverbs 23:1-3, "When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat."
This verse has taught me portion size and to watch my greed when eating. Even in the event of being invited to some else's table to freely eat when they have a bountiful spread, I must keep a good testimony in this way. I don't ask for more. I determine to be satisfied with one plate, and if the host/hostess insists on me more having more...I may, or I may humble resist, depending.
This also means, don't put things into your body that will bring a harmful outcome for whatever reason.
IV. React to the Spirit of God in you.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 "...exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." In 2016, I posted exercise goals, and I accomplished those today (pictured here). Toward the last part of this year, I intertwined P90X3 in to the mix after utilizing P90X for a couple years...along with running and other fitness opportunities. HERE'S THE KEY: During almost every workout, I made it a point to quote the verse mentioned above. I just wanted to be sure I'd keep the right mindset. If I felt I was getting to focused on myself...I'd pause, kneel, and lift up my voice to God in prayer. If the Spirit of God wanted me to prove to God that He was more important than the workout by quitting my exercise for the day, I would do it. I must always keep God the first. Never myself. Never others. God first. We are not to be a prideful people. Life is not about us or what we can do, but it's all about what God can do and is doing. That's WHO we need to promote!
Conclusion:
I'm not forcing my way or another's way on anyone. I'm simply challenging Christianity to take care of their bodies for God's glory. Let's be good representatives for our God, for man locket on the outward appearance.
Our exercising can be for the glory of God. Our food intake (what I eat, how often, and how much) can be for the glory of God. The situations we put our bodies into can be for the glory of God. It's not about being tiny in figure, large in muscle, or of the mind set, "I can do what I want, eat what I want, or live how I want." It's all about the glory of God.
Let's take care of our bodies for the King of kings and Lord of lords by purposing to continue glorying Him in this way.
Blessed beyond measure,
Pastor Justyn Smith • Crossroads Baptist Church • Peoria, IL
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