Completing the ENTIRE Person

Foreword
I'd like to let everyone know that I have been out of town extensively this past week, hence only one post. I'm shooting to begin a new series on prayer but it is more than likely going to be interrupted for some time. I'll be in Israel from the 9th to the 18th, so my access to the internet will be limited, at best. I'd really, really appreciate your prayers for that time, as it will be difficult for everyone, yet still an experience of a lifetime!

Introduction
Just as I did with an interesting theological topic, I also like to address general topics of interest from time to time. The concept of complete health is one that is not only of interest but one that hits me between the eyes right now. I believe that a person is physical, mental, spiritual and emotional. Pastors usually do their work in the realm of the spiritual and emotional. If you are a blessed communicator, the mental aspects of a person are also addressed. However, it is rare that a pastor ever addresses the physical components that help to complete the entire person. Yet without that, we never fully minister to all of the needs that a person may have. So, in the that spirit...

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" (I Cor. 6:19, NIV)
Last week I begrudgingly agreed to get some blood work done. When the results came back, I found out that I had high cholesterol and really high triglycerides. I wasn't too thrilled, to say the least. I used to run track and was very active until a few years ago. I'm 37, 6'3" and about 215, so I figured that all was well, as far as cholesterol went. What I've not really mentioned is that for years, I would eat pretty much whatever, whenever. I did have my gallbladder removed a few years back, which has caused me to change my diet somewhat, but I guess that wasn't quite enough.I recently gave up pork and most red meat in order to deal with some typical post-op digestive issues, but this recent news has been quite sobering. I'm quite thankful that I have found out the news at my age instead of in 10-15 years. Heart disease is no joke and something that needs to be discussed on a regular basis, whether on Sunday or Wednesday night or at a time of convenience for the church. Why?The aforementioned scripture makes it very clear that our bodies are of great importance. The church is great at addressing issues of sin, but then we all shuffle off to the buffet line without giving it a second thought.

Diet changes?
I really believe that we need to become more conscious about addressing not only what goes into our hearts and minds, but into our bodies as well. The number one killer amongst human beings is heart disease. And what is the typical initial symptom of heart attack? It is typically death. That's right! In many cases, heart problems are diagnosed post-mortem. In other words, when it's too late. I believe that something can be done to reverse years of damage that we have caused, but it's not easy. It requires willpower and accountability. Frankly, this sounds familiar to areas of our lives that we already, as Christians, strive to surrender to the Lord. Should our diets be any different?If we are truly thankful for our gift of life, I believe that we need to be willing to care for bodies. Daily, regular exercise needs to begin. I'm not talking about becoming marathon runners. I'm talking about doing something: walking, lifting, stretching.. something. Granted, a doctor should be consulted if haven't exercised for many years prior to activity, but for most getting out and moving will be a great start.Next, our diets need to change. Fatty foods, while tasty, will cause problems sooner rather than later. I was shocked when I went through some food labels recently. Do I really need to get 200% of the recommended daily intake of sodium in one sandwich? I'm not saying that everyone needs to become a vegan, but the fact remains that most people have between 5-7 POUNDS of undigested meat literally rotting away in their intestines on any given day. mmmmmm - sound good?I've recently decided to kick nearly all meat to curb. This is a HARD step for a guy like me to make, but a necessary one. I've found that with Boca and GardenBurger, there are many viable and actually GOOD tasting options out there. NOW, it's not always the most cost-effective way to shop. However, most of us take better care of our vehicles and houses than we do our own bodies. Meanwhile, the church sits by and never addresses any such concerns. Sure, we may take stands against smoking, drinking and other vices, but if you want 3 quarter-pounders, knock yourself out. Really, it is time for us to be willing to address all the things that violate our personal temples. This starts at the dinner table, folks. We can have good food while still paying attention to the awful amounts of cholesterol and fat that many foods contain. More fish, more chicken - less breading on them, too, by the way.

Conclusion
So why would a pastor address these issues? Because for one thing, if they don't, they might wind up in no shape to pastor. If they say nothing, there might not be too many people left in the congregation. I believe that we have a responsibility, as pastors, to address all of the needs of the congregation that we can. Only as complete and healthy people can we fully enjoy this blessed gift of life that God has granted us. Seek to have a healthy and vibrant walk with Jesus Christ. Get your blood checked. Make appropriate dietary changes. Exercise. Pray. Read your Bible. Witness to and love others with the love of Christ. It ALL works together! Have a blessed day - and really, start taking care of your bodies as well as your spirits!