Today we are kicking off our "Strength" Series where we are going to focus on learning more about loving God with all our strength as it relates to the physical aspects of who we are. We will examine what the Bible says about caring for our “temples”, begin developing our wellness vision, dive into physical and spiritual healing and learn how fasting fits into God’s plan for helping us build our strength for His purposes. We are excited you have joined us on this journey!
Pursuing a Healthy Relationship with Our Bodies
Michelle Pemberton
What story do you have about your body? Where do you fall on this continuum?
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Body cursed My body is a gift
Too many flaws
How did I get here?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:25-34
Consequences of worry
Here are some practices that are helping me tell a better story with my body:
Discussion Questions:
Bible Study:
Read Matthew 6:25-34 and 1 Sam 16:7
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Body cursed My body is a gift
Too many flaws
How did I get here?
- Culture of beauty-“Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”1 Samuel 16:7
- Shame from painful events or words. If you would like to get a recommendation for a counselor please call the Assist line at 341-5820 x330 for a recommendation.
- Looking for quick fix instead of taking this anxious issue on and telling a new story. “People love to have lived a great story but few people like the work it takes to make it happen. But joy costs pain.” Donald Miller, Million Miles in Thousand Years
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:25-34
Consequences of worry
- Energy is taken away from things that are so much more fulfilling and life giving.
- Worry is useless and causes harm.
- Seek first the kingdom of God or give your entire attention to what God is doing right now.
- “There is a knowing God that I feel that guides me toward better stories, toward being a better character. I believe there is a writer outside ourselves, plotting a better story for us, interacting with us and whispering a better story into our consciousness” Donald Miller
- To live in the present and not focusing on tomorrow. “Jesus seems to have had the skill of living totally in the present, giving attention totally to the present task, celebrating the goodness of God here and now. If that’s not a recipe for happiness, I don’t know what is.” Tom Wright, Matthew for Everyone
Here are some practices that are helping me tell a better story with my body:
- My story isn’t a secret. I process and learn by sharing this with safe friends.
- I don’t do deprivation instead I do things that help my body feel stronger. Protein & Carbs together, some sugar, exercise, food journal, staying away from unhealthy images of women.
- Answering the question with God-How have I loved God and others today with my body?
- Clarity on who I am besides my appearance. If I am over focused on appearance I under focus on other things.
Discussion Questions:
- What are activities or things that help you feel strong in your body? (this will look different each person-not one size fits all)
- What are things or activities that help you live in the present moment and not worry about tomorrow?
- How have you loved God and others with your body?
- What is one thing you are going to do to add a new chapter to your body story?
Bible Study:
Read Matthew 6:25-34 and 1 Sam 16:7
- What things do you worry about your appearance? What is your “body story”?
- How has God helped you in the past when you have been very worried about something?
- Reread the passages: What words or phrases jump out to you from this passage? What is one thing that you can do to add a new chapter to your “body story”?
