- Carolyn Arends
What does our physical being have to do with worship? As it turns out, everything. Our existence and this body our soul calls home is worshipping something. The last couple weeks, I've really been challenged to look at my worship in a more holistic way, loving the Lord my God with my heart, soul, mind and strength.
I'm curious, what do you think of you when you read the word strength there? Some may automatically think of physical or muscular strength. From my perspective, it's always resonated as more of an inner strength, a sense of gusto or passion in my devotion to God or my dependency on the strength of his character. But now I'm beginning to realize that it's both.
It's an idea of strength that "[restores] the soul to those who overemphasize the body, and [that redeems] the body for those who focus only on the soul."
It seems, though, that the Church in general is hesitant to speak on strength as the physical care and ability of our own bodies in an effort to abide in the grace and acceptance that welcomes us just as we are. Fasting and praying are about as pointed as we get when talking about our physical "diet." But by speaking about strength only as something that we lean on the Lord for—not attaining in any way ourselves—we can tend to prioritize the care of our souls, and neglect the care of our bodies...which actually end up thriving or suffering, hand-in-hand.
In reading Gary Thomas' book Every Body Matters, I have been seriously challenged to accept that every part of my being is intertwined, and "included" in my worship to God. The physical, the spiritual, the emotional, the mental. They are all affected in a chain reaction. I've been challenged—not shamed, challenged—into examining my life as holistic worship. Thomas encourages a healthy view of strength, discipline and well-nourished bodies as a spiritual practice, urging readers to avoid thinking about a particular body image: "...we are called to steward only the body that God has given us, not to judge others." Yes, and amen.
Given the number of scriptures that reference our souls and our bodies, I'm beginning to understand more that the Lord really cares about and values the bodies he has given us. Even more, he really wants us to care for them!
"...let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates the body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reference to God..." 2 Corinthians 7:1
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. may your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23
"You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20On the back cover of Every Body Matters, there are four emphasized benefits for considering the discipline of our health as an aspect of our worship. Since these four things are what made me open the book in the first place, I thought I would include them here:
- Increased sensitivity to God's voice
- Renewed energy for God's work
- Greater joy for living
- A fortified soul better able and more willing to serve and love others
This discipline certainly won't develop overnight, and neither will my desire to eat less Chick-fil-A. However, I am greatly encouraged and expectant to watch the Lord work in and through every cell of my being that I allow him to nourish and strengthen.
What are your thoughts on strengthening your body in order to strengthen your soul?
I'd love to hear!
Jamie
No comments:
Post a Comment