What Matters Most-Our Body

Each January our church does a series on What Matters Most...Dr. Phil Lineberger from Sugar Land Baptist Church has given me permission to post some of his sermons on my blog.

January 2, 2011

We looked at Scripture we need to regard our body and our minds as gifts from God to be managed with dignity.  The most important relationship we will ever have is with ourselves.  We have to be our own best friends first and love ourselves from the inside out. 

This is really true...we can't be available for others until we are okay with ourselves.  Here's what the Bible teaches us about our bodies.

God Created Me
Gen. 1: 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

Gen 2:7 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Deut. 21:20 They shall say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.”
*gluttony is in the same category as drunkeness


Prov. 23:21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

"The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd druther not." ~Mark Twain

When you look in the mirror do you love the person you see? --YOU SHOULD!

1 Cor. 6:19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

*we were bought at the greatest price ever!

Does God feel good walking around in your body? (this may be a  hard question to answer)

Discipline: Doing what we should when we should!

Sacrafice: giving something up!

**If I take care of my body and diet I am taking care of my emotions. 

It is clear from Scripture that our bodies are a good gift from God.  We should treat them with the respect and dignity due this kind of gift.  It is a sin against God to mistreat this wonderful gift.  It is a sin that has terrible personal consequences for me and those around me. 

I am the one who is most responsible for taking care of the body God has given me.  If my body is going to receive the attention and care it deserves, IT IS UP TO ME! GOOD HABITS BEGIN WITHIN!

This year take time for yourself...take time to MOVE...REST...READ...you will feel better!

Pastor Phil's Tips:
1) Read and reflect on Romans 12:1-2
2) Map out a plan for a healthier DIET in 2011
3) Begin a consistent EXERCISE regimen
4) Take time to REST
5) Turn off the television and READ


Disclaimer: Although much of this came from Pastor Phil's sermon, I have added my own opinions and comments.