Post by TaQuilla on Feb 7, 2007 15:32:25 GMT -5
just wanted to share an article I read on www.avirtuouswoman.org
Getting Fit: Why should you care?
Why should you care about your health? Well, obvious reasons include:
You’ll feel better.
Quality of life.
You’ll look better.
However, as a Christian woman, you have an even greater reason to take care of your health. You are a child of God. The Bible tells us, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" The Spirit of God dwells within your body. Wow! That makes you really special don’t you think?
Christians have long been known for their belief in abstaining from harmful products such as alcohol, drugs, and tabacco. However, what about overeating? Is that harmful? Or eating too much fat and sugar. Both of these can cause disease.
While preachers have been long known for preaching against alcohol, very few preach against gluttony. This is something many, many Christians struggle with. I admit that I have had to learn to control my portions - it is so easy to overeat! Especially since I enjoy cooking so much!
The Bible says, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." Proverbs 23:20-21 and "When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony." Proverbs 23:2 Sounds pretty harsh, huh?
Why do you think the Bible says this? Is it true? Those who are given to gluttony (over indulging or overeating) are compared to drunkards. A recent study done by Ferraro & Cline 2006 suggests that despite this Christian Americans are more obese than the general population. What is your church doing to promote health and wellness among its members?
Okay, so before you begin to beat yourself up over yet another bad habit… Know that it is possible to change your eating habits! It might not be easy - in fact it probably will be hard. But there is hope! Remember the Bible says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 Appetite was a factor in Eve’s first sin. As she gazed at the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil she saw that it was good for food. I also wanted to point out that if you can overcome your appetite, you can overcome any sin you struggle with.
So take heart and take care of your heart!
Melissa Ringstaff is the Founding Director of A Virtuous Woman. She lives with her husband and five children in the beautiful Appalachian mountains of Harlan, Kentucky.
Getting Fit: Why should you care?
Why should you care about your health? Well, obvious reasons include:
You’ll feel better.
Quality of life.
You’ll look better.
However, as a Christian woman, you have an even greater reason to take care of your health. You are a child of God. The Bible tells us, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" The Spirit of God dwells within your body. Wow! That makes you really special don’t you think?
Christians have long been known for their belief in abstaining from harmful products such as alcohol, drugs, and tabacco. However, what about overeating? Is that harmful? Or eating too much fat and sugar. Both of these can cause disease.
While preachers have been long known for preaching against alcohol, very few preach against gluttony. This is something many, many Christians struggle with. I admit that I have had to learn to control my portions - it is so easy to overeat! Especially since I enjoy cooking so much!
The Bible says, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." Proverbs 23:20-21 and "When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony." Proverbs 23:2 Sounds pretty harsh, huh?
Why do you think the Bible says this? Is it true? Those who are given to gluttony (over indulging or overeating) are compared to drunkards. A recent study done by Ferraro & Cline 2006 suggests that despite this Christian Americans are more obese than the general population. What is your church doing to promote health and wellness among its members?
Okay, so before you begin to beat yourself up over yet another bad habit… Know that it is possible to change your eating habits! It might not be easy - in fact it probably will be hard. But there is hope! Remember the Bible says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 Appetite was a factor in Eve’s first sin. As she gazed at the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil she saw that it was good for food. I also wanted to point out that if you can overcome your appetite, you can overcome any sin you struggle with.
So take heart and take care of your heart!
Melissa Ringstaff is the Founding Director of A Virtuous Woman. She lives with her husband and five children in the beautiful Appalachian mountains of Harlan, Kentucky.