Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Our lives speak to those around us. Our words speak, our character speaks, our actions speak and so does our health and appearance. Let’s be honest, what we see with our eyes has a big impact on our impression of someone. First impressions come through what we see.

Leaders must care about their health and appearance.

✓ The Bible says our bodies are temples. It is important to take care of the only body you will have on earth.

Physical health is a part of being emotionally and spiritual healthy. We often separate physical health from spiritual and emotional health. Our spiritual and emotional well being is connected to our physical well being. Leaders understand physical health affects their ability to lead.

✓ There are always reasons that get in the way of eating right and getting enough exercise.

Busyness, lack of time, too many responsibilities, caring for kids, etc. are all reasons that get in the way of caring for our temples. Leaders must learn to prioritize and make health happen. Physical health must be a priority.

It is estimated that over 40% of American adults are obese, which is defined by the CDC, Center for Disease Control, as having a BMI, Body Mass Index of 30 or greater. Obesity causes many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and premature aging. It can also cause feelings of tiredness, apathy, insecurity and other emotional complications.

✓ God did not create us to be sedentary or inactive beings. Nor did he create our bodies to live on unhealthy food choices.

In America our life styles can be fast paced and focused on convenience rather than what is beneficial. We must do better and apply the wisdom of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to our lives. As Christians we have what the world does not have, a helper, the Holy Spirit.

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”

Galatians 5:16-17

✓ Start somewhere and get into a routine. Get the help you need.

“Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Physical health begins with eating right and getting enough sleep.

Take an assessment of your sleep patterns.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Slow down earlier in the evening and plan your sleep. You have to see sleep as medicine and part of God’s design for your overall health and well being.

✓ Monitor the foods you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat.

Do some basic research as to what, when, and how much you should be eating. It’s amazing at how some little changes can make a difference in your health. Some people lose weight by eliminating soda from their diets, or not eating fast foods. Others by not eating after a certain hour and eliminating late night snacks.

Do not get overwhelmed with the thought of having to lose lots of weight quickly. Just start praying and developing a conscious attitude of getting healthy. Getting healthy is a spiritual exercise. If you need help, seek it and ask for it.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

1 Corinthians 10:31

✓ The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week. This is doable.

Here are some benefits of physical exercise.

• Lowers risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia and Alzheimer’s, several types of cancer, and some complications of pregnancy

• Fosters better sleep, including improvements in insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea

• Improves cognition, including memory, attention and processing speed

• Reduces weight gain, obesity and related chronic health conditions

• Causes better bone health and balance, with less risk of injury from falls

• Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety

• Improves quality of life and sense of overall well-being

✓ Bottom line, physical health must be a priority in a leader’s life. Physical health is connected to emotional and spiritual health and a leader’s ability to help others.

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

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