As I come down from an Easter high, I ask myself: “How can I keep the spirit of Easter all year long?”  For many of us, Easter means the Easter Bunny, eating candy and spending time with family.  We should also remember the true meaning of Easter, celebrating the miracle of Jesus and his gift of salvation.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple 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 body.”  A powerful message, this passage gives us three STRONG IDEAS. 1) Our bodies are the literal temple of the Holy Spirit; 2) Our bodies were given to us, and are not actually our own; and 3) We have a responsibility to take care of our bodies.

By following the ideas in this passage, I think we can keep the spirit of Easter all year long.

Four ways to treat your body as a temple:

1 Fuel your body with food and beverage that provide energy and strength.  Food and water are the very basic essentials that you need to care for the body that was given to you.  Each time you put something into your body, ask yourself if it is what you need to provide the fuel your body needs to be at its best.

2. Exercise.  Physical activity makes your body strong and helps to maintain a proper body weight.  Aim to exercise everyday as a means to care for the body that was given to you.

3. Rest.  Sleep provides recovery from the day’s activities so your body can continue to function as designed.  Most people need between seven and eight hours of sleep per night.

4. Meditate.  Take time each day for meditation or prayer.  For some, this may mean quiet time to be still. I find my meditation when running.  Aim to find your own meditation. It is a simple way to relax and honor the body you were given.

By following these simple steps, we can honor God by caring for the physical bodies that we have been given.

Until next week,

Emily Stapleton

 

Editor's Note: Looking for a way to work fitness into your life? Check out information on Emily's upcoming classes starting April 8 by clicking on this link.