Lately, I’ve been struggling to get off the couch. Maybe it’s the post-holiday slump, the frigid air outside, or the lack of sunshine finally taking its toll on me. I know I should get my steps in, feel my heart race in my chest, and feel my muscles burn –reminding me I’m alive. Yet while everyone else has been making resolutions, I’ve been making excuses.

The gym is too crowded. It’s too cold outside. I didn’t get enough sleep last night. I don’t have time. I can’t find my favorite leggings, and all my other leggings fall down.

Sound familiar?

I know that caring for my body means maintaining cardiovascular endurance, strong muscles, and flexibility, but that has barely been motivation enough for me.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 (ESV)

This is God’s call for us to get off the couch.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites sacrificed specific animals to atone for their sins. These animals had to be perfect—no spots in their wool, missing feathers, or limps. We don’t have to offer animal sacrifices for our sins anymore because Jesus came and gave His life in our place. However, the mercy He has shown—giving us abundant life when we deserve eternal death—should prompt us to action. Paul asks followers of Jesus in Romans 2:4, NLT: “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” His kindness, mercy, and love draw us to Him and motivate us to respond.

Paul and the recipients of his letter understood that offering your body meant offering your entire being, just as the Israelites offered whole animals to God.  Our response to God’s mercy, then, is to offer Him our whole beings: body, soul, and spirit. Just as there are spiritual disciplines that nourish our souls and align our spirits to Christ, so there are physical disciplines that bring health and vigor to our bodies. Reading the Bible, spending time in prayer, serving the homeless, and fasting are activities we do to bring life and health to our souls and spirits. In the same way, walking, drinking water, sweating through HIIT workouts, and eating plenty of vegetables bring life and health to our bodies. Each of these activities is an act of obedience to the Lord because He is interested in our whole beings.

Our obedience is worship. In John 14:15, Jesus tells His disciples, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” God doesn’t want our words without works; empty promises to God mean our priorities are elsewhere. The actions of our hands point to what our souls love. When we obey Him by doing the work He has called us to do, He is honored and glorified.

I’ll be the first to admit that obedience isn’t always easy. In fact, I can think of plenty of times that it has been downright hard. But that difficulty is what makes it a sacrifice.  It’s the giving up of something good for something greater. Often what we see as “good” is only good for a fleeting moment. The greater things God has called us to last much longer. Drinking that third cup of coffee is good in the moment, but choosing water instead is a greater option. Watching the next episode of Chopped Junior is good (maybe?), but taking a walk while listening to His Word is greater.

In response to His mercy, I’m getting off the couch today. I’m going to read my Bible and make sure I drink enough water. I’m going to pray for my friends and go for a run. I’m going to obey Him with my whole being and give God the worship He deserves. I’m choosing greater over good. Will you join me?

Which part of your whole being is most difficult to offer to God? Why?
How does He want you to worship Him today?

 

Erin Kennedy is a certified Revelation Wellness instructor and emergency medicine PA. She loves coffee, drumstick workouts, and plants and has a newfound love for audiobooks. She lives in Buffalo, NY with her husband Shawn. You can keep up with her on Instagram and Facebook.

Thank you for reading this week’s Revelation Wellness Blog! There are still spots open for ReConnect: A Revelation Wellness Marriage Retreat from March 6-8, 2020 in Chicago, IL! During this retreat, you’ll learn how to reconnect and renew not only your marriage, but also your mind, body, and spirit. We believe that in order to cultivate unity and connection in your marriage, it’s important to train your bodies as well. SIGN UP TODAY!

Do you want to start a Faith and Fitness Ministry? Join us on January 16, 2020 at 2 PM EST for a webinar on practical tools and a step-by-step plan to begin to pursue the call that God has put on your heart. REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR TODAY! 

Workout with us in this #wednesdayworkout! For more workouts like this, visit RevWell TV!

DAWN’S GENTLE FLOW – “FREE OF FEAR”

Take 10 minutes to center in and sink down. Your inner and outer strength will make peace with one another in the 40-minute flexibility and mind-centering workout. (BEGINNER) (1 PETER 5:6-7; YOGA MAT)