I wish I was in better shape. I’m not terribly out of shape but could do a lot better.  We’re in a series looking at ways to do better. Instead of setting unreachable goals or expecting perfection, we’re better off challenging ourselves to do better. This week we turn our attention to our health.

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Here are three areas we as Christ-followers can do better regarding our health.

#1 BETTER DIET!

Why do fats and sugars taste so good? I’m convinced it’s part of the Fall. There is a lot of truth in the old saying, we are what we eat. Every cell in our body is affected by our diet. It affects our energy levels, our moods, and overall health.

Even little adjustments can help. As I’ve matured (that’s what the doctors call it, instead of getting old), I’ve tried to watch what I eat. Changing my daily breakfast to oatmeal lowered my cholesterol and curbing those foofoo drinks helped me drop a few pounds.

We need to pay closer attention to what we put in our mouths. No one would fill up their car with lemonade and expect it to drive properly.  The Apostle Paul said that  “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10: 31).

#2 BETTER EXERCISE 

Here’s the most current advice: 150 minutes a week of exercise, or 30 minutes a day at least five days a week (source: American Health Association). The fact is, when I exercise regularly, I feel better, think better and do better.

The Bible says that “… while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come”  (1 Timothy 4:8). Notice that this verse does not say that exercise is completely unimportant.  As a matter of fact, it says it does have some value. The more we exercise, the more physical energy we have to devote ourselves to godliness and spiritual things.

#3  BETTER REST

Get your sleep! Take time off! You’re not wired to go 24-7! God simply didn’t make us that way.  The Psalmist said that God “gives sleep to the one He loves” (Psalm 127:2). Years ago I was taught this formula and I try to adhere to it: Divert daily, Withdraw weekly, Abandon annually.  Divert Daily – Every day you need to take mini-vacations to recharge you.  You need to know what recharges you.  Withdraw weekly – have a day off.  Abandon annually to have the relaxation that you need.

Your best requires rest. This is so important that God put it in the Ten Commandments. He told us to keep a Sabbath day.  We need that time to draw us closer to God as well as to recharge our emotions. We are human. We get tired. Only as we take a break from our work and routine can we be refreshed.

Before you go…

Better health is biblical. “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 2). This year, we can do better with our health. What are your plans?