"Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." 3 John 1:2
"How long have you been experiencing this pain?" the chiropractor's assistant asked me yesterday morning as she took notes for the doctor. Looking down at the ground sheepishly, I quietly answered, "a couple of months." Without missing a beat, she looked at me and smiled knowingly. "Well I'm glad you finally decided to come and see us. The doctor will give you an adjustment that should have you feeling better in no time." And guess what? She was right. In less than thirty minutes I was pain free and walking normally, vowing right then to take better care of myself.
And you know, when it comes to taking care of our physical bodies, most of us would admit that we aren't doing a very good job - whether it be the result of an unhealthy diet, lack of sleep, not exercising or, like me, forgoing needed healthcare. But as the letter John wrote to Gaius clearly shows we should be. You see, John, who clearly understood the connection between body and spirit, hoped that his "dear friend" was "well" and "as healthy in body" as he was "strong in spirit" because he knew that the healthier Gaius was in each area the better he could fulfill the calling God had placed on his life.
So knowing that we serve the Lord better when we are healthy in both body and spirit as well, let us strive to recognize those areas where we need improvement and then work towards improving them. We will not only feel better by doing so but will most likely influence those around us to do the same. And doesn't the thought of that make you smile?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the much needed reminder that we serve You best when we are at our best. And we are only at our best when we take care of our bodies correctly and strengthen our spirits each day through the Word and prayer. Help us to do both that we might serve You better and live a life of praise. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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