Being Strong in Body, Mind, and Spirit

I realize how important it is to be strong in body, mind, and spirit. It’s not enough to be strong in one area of your life.

It seems if one part of our life suffers, the other areas will also suffer. It is amazing how these three areas of our lives are interconnected. When I start having greater discipline in one area, I often have greater discipline in all of these areas. God offers us a life of peace and fellowship with Him. His Word instructs us in how we should live our lives. “Therefore, we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” Hebrews 2:1

Most people want their physical bodies to be strong first, as we need good health to be active and work. We need to endeavor to be physically healthy. I recently had a physical and was told I needed to lose twenty pounds. I am returning for another check-up in five months. While I am doing intermittent fasting, I know I also need to increase my amount of exercise. It is easy to be sedentary, as many of us do not have physically intensive jobs. “For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” I Corinthians 6:20

We need to be mentally strong. It’s easy to spend too much time watching television—which will not strengthen our minds. God’s Word trains our minds for right thinking and action. He will write His laws upon our hearts and minds. God knows what is best for us. We are to renew our minds. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

We need to feed the spirit within us, as it is vital to stay in a close relationship with God. This can be done through reading God’s Word daily, staying in close fellowship with other Christians, and praising the Lord through worship and song. Eph. 6:10-11 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” It does not matter what troubles we are facing…because our God is greater!

I try to focus on being strong in body, mind, and spirit. Sometimes I feel weak in all of these areas. Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment. His reply, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37) The verb in this verse is love. We are not to be strong just for ourselves—as we have a purpose and calling in life. It is about putting God first in our lives. When we walk on the narrow path following Christ we are often alone. Christ also promised us that He would never leave us. We need patience to endure this journey. Be strong for God. “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 ~Charlie DeTellis