Becoming Healthy…
I’m on this health journey and am learning important lessons.
1 – What goes in is important.
I’m doing mostly “Core”, which means the variety of things I put into my mouth is limited to a smaller list (although I get a certain number of points each week that I can “spend” on anything I want to eat). The Core list is whole food (not processed) and the foods are on anybody’s “healthy list”.
2 – What goes out is important.
Ok…that didn’t sound exactly right, but I’m talking about calories. Eating healthy is important, but for real health there should be heart building and muscle building movement. You’ve got to do something. Whether it’s walking, biking, skiing, swimming, roller blading; the opportunities are endless.
You all know where I’m going…
1 – What goes in is important.
Like Core, I’m not going to say that all non-religious input is bad; there’s a place for recreational reading, listening, watching. My ipod is loaded with about a 50/50 mix of music (Derek Webb is next to Dolly Parton and a John MacArthur sermon is next to Janis Joplin). My reading list includes murder mysteries and the only thing I watch on television on a regular basis is 24. I have a “guilty pleasure” online – a political blog that uses sharp wit and language and plays right to my flesh. I’ve found that I rarely read it because of the attitudes I pick up.
The “core” of my reading focuses on God. Books, blogs, Scripture. It’s what goes in and the more “healthy stuff” I read, the better my attitude toward those around me.
It is vital to keep a handle on what goes in.
Psalm 119:11
I have stored up your word in my heart,that I might not sin against you.
2 – What goes out is important.
Like our physical health. our spiritual health depends on what we do. Like our physical bodies, the opportunities are endless. Whether it’s volunteering at a homeless shelter, VBS, a pregnancy resource center or even filing music for your church’s choir – it goes out.
You have to move in order to build strength.
James 2:18…
…Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
I understand that there’s a season for rest, where we do little or nothing. I’ve been there and done that. But our overall life should be a life of action.
I’m finding that my journey toward better physical health has so many parallels with spiritual health, in both ways I want to be a good example for those around me and in both ways I want to glorify God.
What goes in…what goes out…
So you got me with the core reference. I’m a point counter (although, since I’ve reached lifetime I’m not counting as faithfully). I’m still maintaining but find I have to be diligent the rest of my life or I’ll lose it (actually gain it in pounds) lose it in results. Spiritually too, I have to be diligent or else I lose it…my effectiveness for the Kingdom, my saltiness etc. Thanks for your post.
Reminds me of that ‘garbage in, garbage out’ kinda thing. Good post.
The parallels are pretty obvious. And I highly recommend yard work (save me!!!) for the exercise portion of this goal.
Bless you for your efforts.
Ellen,
I love this scripture….Psalm 119:11
I have stored up your word in my heart,that I might not sin against you.
Wonderful. Thank you. A great post!
Thanks for the great word! I am currently not doing a specific Bible Study and have been feeling hungry for it again. Our church offers small groups in semesters and this semester I tried a different class. I know I am learning and growing but there is nothing like a good Beth Moore study! She makes me seek Him like never before. I love it when I am learning because God never fails to use what He has shown me to feed another! The group I am in now is Bible based but I feel the need for another deep learning, the kind that stays with you long term!