Why you need to start making healthier choices

The top priority for most people is to be in good health. A survey by CNN revealed that the focus that topped New Year resolutions was health (37 per cent); not family, work or finances as one would expect. Health is defined as a state of being free from illness or injury or being in good physical and mental condition.

John the Evangelist and author of epistles 1st, 2nd and 3rd John; writes to his friend Gaius, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 1:2). We must all learn to take care of ourselves the best way we can if we wish to achieve our destiny and serve the Lord.

In recent years, issues of obesity, diabetes, heart diseases and other chronic diseases have exploded to almost pandemic proportions not only in Kenya but also around the world.

Researchers predict that by the end of this decade, 20 million people a year will die from infectious diseases in the world and 50 million from weight-related diseases; especially diabetes and heart diseases. Other statistics reveal that globally, as many people are dying from obesity as those dying from malnutrition. These figures are worrying, hence the importance of healthy living.

Apostle Paul says that all things are lawful to him, but all things are not helpful, and he will not be brought under the power of any (1 Corinthians 6:12). Thus, you have the freedom to do anything but do not be mastered by anything; some things in life are not necessarily wrong, rather they are just not beneficial in your life.

The Bible teaches us several things about our bodies and health. First, God expects you to manage your body. He is the owner of your body and he loans it to you to manage it or be its steward. One day you will stand before him and he will ask what you did with the body he gave you. The Psalmist says, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14a). You cannot blame people for how you use, misuse or abuse your body.

Second, your body is God's property. He created everything and owns it all, and your body is holy because he made it.

Third, your body will resurrect after you die. There is no waste in the economy of God. In heaven, you will have a new body; you will not be an amorphous spirit just floating around. You will not be an angel either; flesh is flesh and will remain so even in heaven. "By his power, God raised the Lord from the dead and he will raise us also" (1 Corinthians 6:14).

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Fourth, your body is connected to the Body of Christ. "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall you then take the members of Christ and unite with a prostitute? Never!" (1 Corinthians 6:15). All other sins a person commits are outside of their body but sexual sin is against his own body not just against God.

Fifth, your body is in you as received from God. This means God has taken up residence inside you as his dwelling place. Initially, he dwelt in the tabernacle which was designed according to the specifications he gave to Moses. Later, he dwelt in the temple in Jerusalem which he gave David specifications to build. Today he dwells in your body as his temple.

Sixth, Jesus bought your body when he died on the cross. You are not your own, you were bought at a price; therefore honour God with your body. Do you know how much you are worth? With arms outstretched and nail-pierced hands; Jesus said this is how much I love you; so much that I would rather die than live without you.

I urge you to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. You cannot serve him without your physical body and the healthier you are, the more he will bless you and use you.

Taking care of your health it is an act of worship! We have to keep our bodies in the best health and shape possible. Keep your body health, not just to feel and look good or live long which is okay, but also for the above six reasons.

Bishop David Muriithi- Founder & Overseer House of Grace International Ministries