Knowing is Half the Battle

Lately the hype about health and wellness is everywhere. As battling the bulge has become more and more popular, it’s hard to go through a single day without encountering something that has to do with fitness or diet or nutrition.

More than anyone else, it seems to be Hollywood who’s setting a trend. Years ago, people like Jane Fonda were fit when fit wasn’t cool, it was seriously over-achieving. But now it seems every one on the big screen has a personal trainer, their own line of “active wear”, and a kick-box move to ward off any bad guy they may happen across in a dark alley.

Their fitness craze is leaving most of us common folk on the sidelines while we watch their ever-shrinking bodies on the front of fashion magazines. But skinny and tan, [or even muscular] doesn’t necessarily mean “healthy”. And just because the food we buy says “100% natural”, or “full of vitamins and minerals,” that isn’t always exactly what we’re getting.

Somehow, there must be a balance between the busy lives we live, and finding a way to take care of our bodies – in a meaningful, normal, and attainable way. This morning I found some comforting words.

A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man. Proverbs 24:5 (NLT)

Sometimes having the strength, the willpower, to eat right and exercise isn’t enough. We need to arm ourselves with the knowledge about what’s best for our bodies, and what’s harmful – and how to get the nutrition we need. It’s not about living longer; it’s about living the way God intended us to live, taking care of our bodies as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Being physically (and mentally!) able to carry out the work He gives us as long as we’re on this earth.

But while knowledge is crucial, strength is a necessity as well.

If you fail under pressure, your strength is not very great. Proverbs 24:10

If I fail by giving into the temptation to be lazy and eat junk (ouch!), then my strength isn’t very great. But where does my strength come from?

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Our help comes from God. Why do we forget to ask Him for help in our everyday needs? He’s concerned with every area of our life. And as Pastor Ron said in the sermon Sunday, if we humble ourselves and ask for help, and commit to stop doing the wrong thing, God will definitely help us! (II Chronicles 7:14). God created our bodies – He knows exactly how to help us keep them running properly.