As the light flashes green my foot leans into the pedal. But the aerodynamic steel machine hesitates. Then, in an instant, it heaves forward, jolting my upper body into the steering wheel.
My cheeks flush with heat. I bang my fist on the dashboard of my second rental car this week.
Last week, I spun my car into a tree driving too fast in the rain. Then, days later, in the first rental car, I rippled the driver side door turning left into a garbage truck.*
Now what have I done? Whats wrong with you? You cant even drive a car. You’re and idiot. A scumb…
Suddenly, the Holy Spirit speaks over the spray of dirty words I spew on myself. His presence is so strong it clogs my airway, silencing the end of the S-word.
“Hey! I live in here. When you call yourself names, you’re calling Me names. I choose to live here.”
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…” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Yet this has been my relationship with my body since I can remember. When it obeys my orders it can stay. When it missteps, it must be punished through harsh words and cruel discipline. I haven’t shown my body much kindness over the years.
I often think, if only I could separate me from my body, then I would be a great Christian. My stupid flesh wouldn’t hold me back.
How is your relationship with your body?
Do you speak the words of Solomon, who is a picture of Christ, to yourself? (Song of Solomon 4:1-7)
Or do you mock and spit and beat yourself down like the religious leaders of Jesus day? (Matthew 26:67; Luke 22:63)
Many of us curse our bodies when appetites flair. We push it to the point of exhaustion at work. We ignore it’s need for positive affirmation.
What if we decided to treat our bodies opposite of the way Jesus was treated in His last days?
What if we blessed our body instead of berating it?
Last week I experimented.
I understand the concept of blessing your body is awkward. The first time I tried it I figured, if it doesn’t work out, no loss.
But it worked. I welcomed my body into the love and unity of my soul and spirit. We are His chosen earthly home. We can be kind to our bodies, even when they don’t do what we want them to.
A Prayer of blessing over your body.
Thank you body. Thank you legs for standing when I ask. You are strong and healthy. You were designed to walk where He leads.
Thank you arms. You have the ability to lift and lower, push and pull, free and feel. You help me experience my world.
Thank you body for working when you are tired. I will rest you more often.
Thank you mind for thinking God thoughts. I love the unique way you comprehend our Creator. Thank you heart for keeping everything going.
You are a good body. We are in this together. I accept you.
Print your FREE Love Your Body Scripture Cards.
*Only cars and pride were hurt in the accidents. All bodies were spared.
Wow, that was a good word. I think we all struggle with our bodies, and their misbehavior. Thus the need for sanctification, and the renewing of our minds daily. Trusting the Lord minute by minute. It is my daily challenge. Every day I fall short of my own expectations and I tend to not be kind to my disobedient body. So thanks for the encouragement.
I’m happy to hear that you weren’t hurt in the accidents. Your protecting angels were on duty, keeping you from injury. Praise God! This is my focus lately:
The Power of Praise! It is a powerful tool in my everyday life when I remember to use it.
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