When we hear the word “stewardship” we often think about money and how it is used. But what about other resources? What about our self, our bodies?
It occurred to me recently that if Christ resides in our hearts, then my body indeed is the Temple of God. With that awareness, I now have responsibility to live into that as truth. But it also brings a conviction to my mind about what I do with my body.
Romans 12:1-2 tells us,
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. 2 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.
First, I present myself, all of me- body, mind, spirit to God as an act of worship. I put aside my selfish desires and preferences and take up God’s ways and heart. (The Holy Spirit actually transforms us as we lay self aside.)
Then I must constantly ask myself “How can I take care of what God has given me?” This may be the way I eat or the way I rest. It also could be how I take care of my surroundings.
A television psychologist (I can’t remember who) once said, “The condition of your surroundings are an indicator of what is going on inside you.” As I looked around at the piles in my home, I realized I was depressed and didn’t even know it.
Prayerfully, I cried out to God and asked for help. I presented myself to him, unable to help myself. One box, one pile at a time, sometimes just a tiny pile, conditions improved and so did my anxiety and sadness.
While I worked on the outside, God helped on the inside. I had given my self to God, body and emotion and as I worked, so did he. Perhaps you want something to be different? Try presenting yourself to God and allow him to work out the details. He can renew not only your body in health but your mind as well.
