Present It
As promised, we're peeling back the layers of an article about guarding our health written by Tim Challies, and according to Tim, when it comes to our health, God expects us to present it, steward it, nurture it, and employ it. If you missed the first entry - Twice-Owned - Click here.
Tim writes, "You need to present your body. You are a whole person, your body and soul knit carefully together. You are to surrender to God all that you are, holding nothing back. Your body belongs to God and is to be used for his purposes. Thus, God calls you to surrender your body to him, to dedicate it to his service, to commit it to his purposes."
As I consider what Challies says, imagine with me for a second if we surrendered to God everything about our health, holding nothing back. What would Jimmy have to present and surrender for that to be true in his life? Man, so much. I wonder if that would mean less or more time caring for the body God made? Better food choices or perhaps maybe less food obsession? Less vanity or pride? More diligence and self control? Questions for all of us to wrestle with every day. My body, your body, is a present. And God held none of His will back when He made us. That's neat, huh? When God made me, He held back none of His will.
I Don’t Like My Body
I think that’s why I’m convinced that when He formed us, He wanted our body and soul to be friends, not enemies. I mean, I don’t believe you have to like your body in order to love it. I won’t speak for anyone else, but I love my body, but I don’t like it. When I was sick, some of you remember how I would talk to my body and apologize to it for what it was going through. It was like talking to a friend. A friend I love and need.
Do I like my brittle bones, susceptible colon, collapsing frame, artificial and skinny neck or broken back? No. But I love them. Do I like the fact that my body can’t run, jump or twist? Or that my hands can’t hold more than 20 pounds at a time? Not at all. But I love my neck, my back, my limits, my weaknesses. I love them because God and I have grown closer to each other because of them and despite them. I love my body because it’s my body. Not because of what it used to do, can do or won’t ever do. Not because I’ve come to grips with it. Not because it’s where I find my worth or joy. Not because I’m comfortable in its skin. Not because I’m worthy of it or worth it. Not because I deserve it or because I earned it. My body is just me. But it’s not just a body.
Not Just A Body
I held his wrist. As an 8th grader, I walked the isle at Cielo Vista Church and committed my life to Christ. A week later, I waded into the water of the baptistry in front of my family and friends and listened as my Preacher asked me, "Jimmy, do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?" And then I held his wrist with one hand and pinched my nose with the other. I've never felt cleaner then the day I came out of that water.
A few years ago, various heroes of the faith remembered and honored the life of Reverend Henry Powell. From funny memories, to countless and blessed congregations from around the world, I sat and unsuccessfully fought back tears. And while I know Brother Powell is with the Lord today, I couldn't help but think about his still, sweet body. If those feet weren't tip-toeing through the house to deliver Christmas gifts to grandkids, they were in the dangerous underground of China quietly delivering Bibles and leading other pastors. If those hands weren't rooting for the Lobos, they were rooting for snotty-nosed kids just like me to live right. And if that heart wasn't beating in honor of his wife, it was breaking for the lost to know Christ as Lord.
You know, in ceremonies like those, we've all heard someone say that "It's not him" or "It's just a body." Well, I can't help but humbly and respectfully disagree. Especially when you consider that God made it, and all of the people who won't be reached without it. In fact, what did Jesus present to Thomas in the upper room? And what didn't they find when the stone was rolled away? That's right. Not just a body. So you see, it's no wonder God said to honor Him with what carries the soul. And that's why, when it was my turn to stand near and say goodbye to my sweet preacher who introduced me to Christ, I held his wrist...one more time.
Holding Nothing Back
You’ll forgive the long entry, but let’s strive to present our bodies, holding nothing back in our surrender. Holding nothing back in our restraint. Holding nothing back in our fight for service to neighbors, to those in our community, as well as to things like purpose, stewardship and modesty. And yes, let’s hold nothing back in how we humbly care for these weak, able, wonderfully-formed vessels. These temporary, broken tents. Let’s hold nothing back as we present to the world His will for a body.
- Jimmy Peña
