I’ve been going through some health issues recently. I’ve had several surgical procedures over the past few months with the final one, hopefully, being last week. I have missed being able to engage in a lot of things over the past few months. I haven’t been able to run or exercise in months and that has really affected me in numerous ways. You probably either think I’m nuts or you completely identify with what I am talking about here.
I don’t think I understood how much exercise brought balance to my life. Exercise helps me immensely in balancing out the ups and downs of a day. I can’t wait to have that balance back again. I am confident that there is a connection between spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
There has been much recent interest in environmentalism from some Christian circles. I think it has been a good discussion in as much as it does not dilute the essence of the gospel. Much of the discussion seems to revolve around a desire to participate in God’s act of redemption.
Romans 8:20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we await for it with patience.
Why is it that a desire to steward the environment has come out of this text and not also a desire to steward our physical bodies? There are so many great truths here and to minimize it to an environmental discussion is just sad. Sure that is part of it, but only ONE part. The trees, mountains, and lakes are a beautiful act of God’s creation AND so are YOU.
I believe the neglect to steward our bodies – God’s creation – may be one of the most neglected sins of the 21st Century Church. How are you stewarding God’s gift of creativity and creation in which you walk everyday – your body?