Monday, January 30, 2012

A fresh perspective on our Physical and Spiritual growth


“Every Boby Matters” by Gary Thomas explains to us from the Apostle Paul’s writings, that we are called to be, “instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good works.” Gary speaks of souls of silver from Zechariah 13:9, “I will refine them like silver and test them like gold.” For most Christians we have this mindset of strengthening our souls, but no emphasis is made on our bodies, this lack of physical discipline can rob us from strengthening our spiritual walk with Christ. Gary mentions all this to make the connection between the physical fitness and spiritual fitness; they both go hand and hand. As I read through this book I kept thinking of the lyrics to “Refiner’s Fire,” as I was reading and thinking of these lyrics it spoke volumes to my soul.

Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold
Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin
Deep within

Gary’s book has given these lyrics a new meaning to me. Now when I sing them I don’t just think of the spiritual, but the physical as well. Lord not just my heart, but my body as well. I will treat it as a holy temple, set apart and ready to do good works. I will no longer abuse it with irresponsible eating that will only serve to weaken me to the point of laziness and sloth. To the point that I I’m too weak to even fight against sin. Gary has given me a new resolve: I will strength and condition my body as well as my soul and mind that we may work in unison, not to be admired by other, but to glorify God and be “instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good works.”
If you feel you are missing something in your Christian walk I strongly encourage that you give “Every Body Matter” a try. This book will give you a fresh perspective and equip you with the tools you need to begin conditioning you body, soul and mind.

This book was given to me by the wonderful people at Zondervan in exchange for an honest review