A Healthy Sacrifice

I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Sarah observed her sister Tammy’s journey to better health with interest and joy. She had long been concerned about Tammy’s extra weight, stressful lifestyle, and minimal exercise. Even when Tammy’s husband was diagnosed with diabetes, she hadn’t altered her poor habits. And Tammy hadn’t responded well when Sarah expressed her worries about the consequences of neglecting her health. Sarah had finally determined to stop fretting and began praying for God to work in Tammy’s heart.

It wasn’t long before Tammy finally decided to pursue healthy changes. Over a two-year period, she began exercising regularly and eating a more balanced diet. As her size changed and her health improved, so did her temperament. She smiled more often and took a greater interest in her relationships. Sarah continued to pray and cheered her on.

One day Tammy confided to Sarah, “God finally got my attention by reminding me that the way I treated my body was one reflection of my commitment to Him. He expects me to be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing. I wanted that too. It hasn’t been easy to break my bad habits. But making that surrender has changed my life.”

Sarah smiled and breathed a prayer of thanksgiving that God had answered her.

The Bible is full of verses regarding the need for self-control in our lives. Developing that discipline is one of the keys to presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice. God is our power source, and His strength truly can work best in our weaknesses (see 2 Corinthians 12:9), whether we struggle with poor eating habits, a lack of exercise, or working too much and resting too little. But we must be willing to give Him control when we struggle. If you have health issues that need to be addressed, offer yourself to Him as a “living and holy sacrifice.”

Rest Assured

Father, thank You that You are able to help us overcome our weaknesses. Show us where we are weak, and give us Your strength to make choices that are right and acceptable. We want to be holy and pleasing to You.

Rest in Him: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17