Eat Right and Exercise
by Pastor Bill Pevlor
For centuries mankind has been searching for the secret to a long and
healthy life. While scientific discoveries and medical breakthroughs have helped
tremendously, the evidence always seems to pint back to the basics, eat right
and exercise. While we may try to find easy-outs or short-cuts, there is no
substitute for good nutrition and regular exercise. The same principle that
promotes healthy bodies also applies to our spiritual health.
An old phrase says, “You are what you eat.” This is true in the
natural as well as the spiritual realm. Our bodies have only what we put into
them to use for building tissue, fighting disease, and carrying on life in
general. In the same manner, our spirits need to be fed properly in order to
stay alive and well.
So what do our spirits need to eat? We know our natural bodies need water
and vitamins and minerals found in a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables,
grains, and proteins. But what is the formula for a healthy spirit?
Jesus gives us a clue in Matthew 4:4 when He said, “Man does not
live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
One of the most important sources of health and strength for our spirits is the
Word of God.
We are so blessed in America both naturally and spiritually. Few of us
ever face a real danger of starvation. We may not all dine on steak and lobster
every night, but most of us go to bed with our stomachs full. Likewise our
nation is blessed spiritually. We have open and abundant access to the Word of
God. Many Christians around the world do not have the luxury of owning even a
portion of the Bible, yet because they are so hungry for spiritual nourishment
they share and even hand copy pages of scripture to read and study. In America,
most households have several copies of the Bible laying around, many collecting
dust from lack of use.
Imagine going for several days without food or water. We know the
results, hunger, weakness, and dehydration. Most of us rarely even go several
hours without feeding our bodies, yet many of us do not think twice about going
for weeks or even months without feeding our spirits. The results are the same.
Without nourishment our spirits, like our bodies, become weak. How often do you
eat? How often do you read your Bible? In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus taught us
to ask God for our “daily bread.” I encourage you to consider that a
reference to both natural and spiritual food. Make a point to read your Bible
every day and watch your spirit begin to grow stronger and healthier. By the
way, here is a little food for thought... If your Bible is falling apart, your
life probably isn’t!
Another source of nutrition for our spirits is prayer. Jesus spent many
hours in prayer on a regular basis. Often He rose early in the morning or stayed
awake through the night in order to spend time communing with the Father. We
live in a society of busy schedules, and time is a precious commodity. Even a
few minutes spent in prayer each day would be a boost to our spirits and bring
peace and order to our hectic lives.
A nutritious diet is only one aspect of a healthy lifestyle. We also need
to exercise. This also applies to our spirits. It is not enough to pray and read
our Bibles regularly to keep ourselves thriving spiritually. We must put our
faith to work. James made this very clear when he said we should be doers of the
Word and not hearers only (James 1:22). He reiterated his point in James 2:17,
when he stated that faith without works is dead.
While salvation can never be earned by good works, it should certainly
result in them. Jesus said that believers are the light of the world (Matthew
5:14), and instructed us to let that light shine. We must put feet to our faith
and be living examples of the power and love of Jesus everywhere we go.
Just as we find much of our natural nourishment in our homes with our
families, let us do the same spiritually. One of the best ways to get into shape
and stay healthy spiritually is to become actively involved in a local Bible
believing church. There you will not only be fed the Word of God, but you will
find opportunities to exercise your faith as well. Remember, there is no
substitute for the basics of good health, naturally or spiritually speaking. Eat
right and exercise!
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Victorious
Faith Ministries
219 State Street, Algoma, WI 54201
Phone: 920-487-5775
©2001 Victorious Faith Ministries