A Call to Discipline

Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

~ 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, NKJV

Whether we know it or not, sexual immorality is not the only sin one commits against one's own body. As African-Americans, we are culturally guilty of gluttony and malnourishment. We intentionally eat far more than our body needs simply because we like eating. We also eat foods that we should not have; thus, packing on ridiculously high amounts of empty calories from excessive oils, sugars, and starches. Then, if that's not enough, we pride ourselves on getting that after dinner nap. The necessity for such nap is because we've stuffed ourselves to the point of lethargy. Of course, taking a walk or getting any kind of exercise to diminish the effects of our sinfulness is not a thought we're willing to entertain. Overall, this is NOT GOOD!

This is so 'not good' that we develop hypertension, diabetes, and become prone to strokes, heart disease, and certain cancers. I understand that during slavery and subsequent times, we ate what we could when we could. However, for those reading this commentary, we have looooong been past the point of scarcity. Quite the contrary. We live in a state of abundance. Our cupboards are lacking nothing, except the nourishing foods we do not desire.

We MUST do better! We must do better for our own self's sake. If we wish to see old age in health, we must get control of our eating habits. We must eat more vegetables than meat. We must eat leaner meats. We must eat much smaller portions. And, we must limit (if not eliminate) the empty 'junk food' calories we consume.

Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit of Christ. We are bought we the price of the Blood of the Holy. It should not be squandered by our lack of discipline. Why plead for healing when one can eat right and avoid sickness? Why plead for the Blood covering of protection when we can keep ourselves from danger? Why ask for forgiveness for the sin of gluttony when we can avoid such altogether?

Jesus saved our souls/spirits, but WE must transform our minds (Romans 12:2) and bring our bodies under subjection (Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 9:27); lest we forfeit the fullness of our salvation. I am among the guilty, but I'm reforming my ways.

Won't you join me?

(If you want to know what's working for me, ask and I'll be happy to share. I'm not in any 'health and wellness' business. I don't get any money from any product manufacturer or distributor.)