Matthew 25:19-21 (NLT)
“After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
Since the beginning (as in “In the beginning”), GOD has called the human race to become good stewards. Over the earth. Over the animals. Over our time and talents. And over our bodies. The LORD blesses us with these bodies (and time and talents) not so that we’ll cling to them tightly until we return to him the same way. Jesus made it clear that we are to invest our time, talents, and bodies into Kingdom work. So, then, by being good stewards over our bodies we are fulfilling part of our calling. Being a good steward has everything to do with taking care of that gift. Fuel it with nutritious, whole foods from the bounty of the earth. Condition the body through exercise so you’ll have the natural energy to serve your family and others. Rest it so you can continue to minister without running on empty. Stretch the muscles and conduct breathing exercises or meditation to relieve stress and worry. Pray for overall health and wellness. Take care of the one, and only, body you've been given. Start today, looking at the body not as the container for your organs, but as a one-time gift to be valued and nurtured.
Application: One Life to Live. This is the only thing the soap opera industry ever got right. Or as my cousin Eminem once so eloquently rapped, “you only get one shot, do not, miss your chance to blow, this opportunity only comes once in a lifetime, yo!” Make the most of this life.
Nutrition Tip: Go Nuts! Nuts like almonds and pistachios are slam packed with healthy fats. So, rather than snacking on that grossly fattening and carb-laden candy bar, snag a handful of these nuts. Yes, they cost more than candy bars, but only in the short-term. Pay more for nuts now…or more in healthcare bills later.
Allergic to nuts? Find an alternative. If you want to be healthy bad enough, you’ll find a way to substitute.
Exercise Tip: Find a sport you’re passionate about and get moving! Then get others to join in. I’m not the biggest American football fan in the world, but if someone organized a Refuge Bowl in the field beside the church, I’d play. Or volleyball. Or whatever. Exercise and Fellowship. We’ll call it “BellyOffShip!”
Come to think of it, I’ll begin organizing the Refuge Cup, a soccer competition between Refuge and Arms of Mercy. Who’s in?
