As a part of Kingsville SDA Church, we are striving to emulate God’s perfect plan for our bodies. Through the use of scripture and medical science, we will explore ways in which we can maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
"Do you not know that your bodies are the temples 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 bodies" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NKJV).
NEWSTART Article for June 30
Most of us have probably seen the marshmallow test on YouTube or some other social media site. The child was told they could eat a marshmallow now or if they waited, when the adult came back they would be given two marshmallows. I’m sure those of us who have seen the cute little clips of children trying to hold out for that extra marshmallow laughed at their struggle. However, what if I told you that the marshmallow test has been around a lot longer, but it was in the form of a pot of lentils?
Step way back in time to a story in the book of Genesis. Jacob and Easu are brothers. Brothers who have not always gotten along well and both desire the same thing, the birthright that goes to the eldest. To sum up a longer story, the older boy Esau goes hunting and finds nothing. On his way home he comes across good ole Jacob cooking away at his pot of lentils. Esau demands the lentils. Jacob says only if you give me the birthright please. Easu, not being able to exercise self-control and be temperate, can’t see past tomorrow so he says, “The birthright is yours, give me the lentils”.
Fast forward to today, how often do we say give me “xyz” now and give me all of it? It can actually be a little sobering. Maybe instead of spending money on a snack or drink, you could save it and put it toward an exciting trip you’ve always wanted to go on. Being temperate and using self control starts with small steps. This week, when you see the “marshmallow” in your life sitting in front of you, think what the future could hold if you resisted the urge and were temperate.
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health.” 3 John 1:2
NEWSTART Article for June 23
Temperance. How often have we heard the word and groaned? Temperance can be such a helpful thing in one’s life because even too much of a good thing can cause harm. But what if you have tried to be temperate. Maybe you’ve started with New Year’s resolutions at the beginning of January more times than you can count, but have failed. Well, sometimes it can be as simple as starting one small habit and adding to it.
What if you goal is to stop overeating, but every time the weekend roles around you abandon your meal plan to over indulge only to start the week feeling guilty and bloated. Let’s talk about some strategies to help.
First, pick one goal. Say you want to get up and run every morning. Well, set your alarm and make your goal to put on your exercise clothes. If you make just putting on those exercise clothes your goal, nine times out of ten you go for that run anyway.
Perhaps your goal is to eat a salad every day. Well, make your goal to put some salad on your plate. That is your goal, but nine times out of ten you’ll go ahead and eat the salad because it’s already there.
Maybe you like sweets just a little too much. You can also get an accountability partner who you set a goal with and they can help keep you accountable. You reporting as you follow through or don’t follow through with your goal.
The point is to keep it simple and remember that God has said no matter the situation or goal you are working towards He will help. Philippines 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Please visit our Health Resources page for more resources.