Discipline in Body and Spirit💪🏽🙏🏽

Discipline Counts Here Too

We talk a lot about prayer, worship, Bible study, and obedience, and it’s not a bad thing at all. But there is one area many of us avoid talking about and that’s discipline when it comes to our bodies.

Truth be told, many of us lack discipline when and where it count most.

We will pray for healing while neglecting our health, and honestly Saints, that’s a shame.. I feel convicted.

We will fast for a breakthrough but struggle to say no to a second or third helping at dinner. We will pick the unhealthy meals over the healthier choices.

We will even spend hours serving others but refuse to take thirty minutes to walk around the neighborhood.

Family, we must do better.

There are so many ways to lose weight so many diets and weight loss supplements, and they work.. but… what happens when we stop the supplements??

Our bodies are gifts from God. Scripture tells us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Stewardship doesn’t stop with our finances or our spiritual gifts, it includes how we care for the body God gave us and trusted us with.

Let’s be honest. Many of us are overweight, lazy, and undisciplined in our eating habits.

We say we don’t have time to exercise, yet we can scroll social media for hours, play video games, meet up for breakfast, brunch, and dinner with our friends or family, some of us even prepare elaborate meals for everyone else.

Yet, make excuses when what we really need is discipline.

Discipline is a fruit of spiritual maturity. If we cannot tell our flesh “no” when it comes to food, entertainment, or comfort, how easily do we say “yes” to other desires of the flesh?

The prophet Daniel gives us an example of discipline and devotion. When Daniel sought the Lord, he humbled himself through fasting and abstained from rich foods. Daniel’s focus wasn’t physical appearance, it was seeking God. Yet his disciplined lifestyle reminds us that honoring God often requires denying ourselves.

There is something powerful about telling your flesh, “You are not in charge.”

Every time we choose to move our bodies, eat nourishing foods, or practice self-control, we are training ourselves in discipline.

No, you don’t need to become a bodybuilder or spend two hours in the gym. You don’t need a six-pack or a size-two dress. You do, however, have a responsibility to steward the body God has given you, however that may look for you.

Can you walk for twenty minutes a day? Can you drink more water? Can you choose whole foods more often? Can you stop making excuses and start being intentional?

The answer for most of us is yes.

I want to challenge you family. Next time a friend calls you and want to meet up, consider asking if they would be down to walk and talk. It’s so refreshing, and our obedience and faith allow the Lord to move heavily in our lives.

Imagine what would happen if the Church became as disciplined physically as we claim to be spiritually.

We would have more energy to serve.

More endurance to fulfill our calling.

Better health to enjoy the families God has given us.

This is not about condemnation. It’s about conviction. I needed this reminder myself, so don't feel alone or attacked here. We need more discipline family.

The same God who calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him is also calling us to live disciplined lives.

Your health matters because you matter to God.

Heart Check! Grab your journal...

• Have I been making excuses instead of practicing discipline?

• Am I stewarding my body in a way that honors God?

• What is one healthy habit I can begin today?

  
  

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the areas of my life where I have lacked discipline. Help me to steward my body well and to honor You with all my choices. Teach me to practice self-control and to deny my flesh when it seeks comfort over obedience. Give me the strength to live a disciplined life that glorify You in spirit, soul, and body. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Start New. Start Now.

Obedience Over Everything

-The Surrendered Walk🤍