Friends on the Journey

A friend has just begun her journey to a healthy lifestyle. "I am hoping you will pray for me in this process and give me encouragement when deserved and gentle remonstrations when needed," she wrote. In voicing her commitment, she mentioned that she has been reading Devotions for Dieters by Dan R. Dick and has already been challenged by what he says. She shared this poignant excerpt:

"Poor physical condition that is due to our own negligence or laziness is an insult to our Creator...To care for ourselves physically is to honor God and acknowledge our gratitude to God for the gift of life. Holiness can only come through discipline and obedience. Dieting requires both. We can learn to train ourselves as disciples through our bodily sacrifices. To care for our appearance and health is pleasing to God, and He will bless us richly in our endeavors...When we are told that our bodies are the temple of God, it is not an option whether or not we will take care of it; it is a duty. When we care for our physical being, we are making God's temple a holy and special place."

(Bold-faced type not in original; picture is of Christian and Evangelist from Pilgrim's Progress.)

Blessings on your journey, my friend. God's grace calls and keeps us all!