HONOR YOUR BODY

I am hungry. I am always hungry. I love food and can eat all day every day. I love to cook and I love to discover new ways to enjoy the foods that I eat regularly. I am also mindful of how overindulgence can have an effect on the body; coupled with genetics and age, bad food choices could ruin me. But everywhere I go these days there are signs that say EAT! EAT! EAT!  Turn on the television and there are entire networks dedicated to tempting our palates and commercials offering up the deliciousness of the newest trend in foods. We see restaurants at every intersection, grocery store chains, and then there is the super sized meal or the excess of four to six courses served in one sitting. Food is everywhere, tempting us to be gluttonous and out of order in respect to our bodies. We must eat to live, right? But are we nourishing our bodies or neglecting them? 
We are made from the creativity of God and our bodies are a reflection of His love (see Psalms 139:13-14). The body is a gift from God given to us as a temple for the Holy Spirit to reside and usher in the presence of God. God does have expectations for how we should treat our bodies. It is where his spirit dwells within us and we must take care of the temple that He has entrusted to us (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
There are consequences for violation of the temple (see 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17).  Consider that heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and many our ailments are because of what we consume. When we refuse to nurture our bodies with healthy substances, we succumb to the negligence and we suffer.
We have gotten away from real food, we are so busy and consumed with worldly things that food is eaten on the run; fast food and restaurants have replaced home cooked meals and fellowship amongst loved ones. We often abuse our bodies by what we consume, but it is up to each of us to make better choices. Daniel is the example here, when offered choice food and drink presented by the royal court, he refused and requested vegetables and water and was better for it (see Daniel 1:11-17).
We must take care of our bodies with healthy choices like a balanced diet, regular exercise, proper rest and a joyful spirit. So as we recover from celebrating Thanksgiving with our loved ones, and enter into this festive season of excess, we must remember to be grateful for the temple that is the body and refrain from indulging too much in the flesh. Let us reflect on the Holy Spirit that resides within each of us and make choices that honor our relationship with God, our creator. 
Prayer: Father God thank you for your provision and for allowing us to commune in your presence. Father forgive us for our gluttonous behaviors and help us to be grateful for enough. You meet us at our need and exceed our expectations but let us not revel in the excess. Continue to bless us and heal our bodies but allow us to operate in a manner pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen!