Well, this is one topic I’ve been putting off. Why? Because it’s still a hard one for me to follow. Physical preparedness. Eating healthy, staying in shape, avoiding all those cookies and cakes… um, yeah. It’s not my forte. 🙂 But I do try!
Here are some of the church’s standards regarding physical health/preparedness: “Every member should obey the Word of Wisdom and practice sound principles of nutrition, physical fitness, weight control, immunization, environment quality and sanitation, mother and child health, accident prevention, dental health, and medical care. In addition, each member should acquire appropriate health-related skills in first aid and safety, home nursing, and food selection and preparation.” source
Taking care of our bodies is important. After all, we fought for the right to have these bodies! Why? Because we knew they were an important step in becoming like our Father in Heaven. And now we’re just going to let them waste away because we can’t control our cravings for chocolate? No way! We’re stronger than that! 🙂
Our bodies are temples (1 Cor. 3:17) and we should treat them with the same respect we treat any House of the Lord: we keep them clean, in good condition, and we do not defile them in any way.
But why is it important to take care of our bodies? Won’t we die and be resurrected just the same if we are a tattooed, overweight, smoking alcoholic versus someone in good health? Yes. We will. So then why is it important? Well, for starters, our physical health directly impacts our emotional and spiritual capacities. It’s part of the mind, body, and spirit cycle that makes us whole as a person. When one area suffers, the other two suffer as well. So if our physical wellness is not being taken care of, our spiritual and emotional wellness will also suffer. (Again, it’s so interesting how all of these categories are so intertwined!!)
Additionally, what we are able to accomplish with our lives is significantly impacted by the state of our physical condition. We are not here on earth to sit in front of a tv, drinking beer, idling away our time. We have a purpose. And our physical health is a big factor in whether or not we are able to perform many of the labors that are required of us. There’s a reason the Lord makes a promise to us that if we will follow the commandments we will “run, and not be weary… walk, and not faint” (Isa. 40:31). It’s not so that we can be all-star athletes (although I suppose you could use it that way if you want to). It’s so that we can accomplish the Lord’s designs. He needs us to be healthy so we can do His work! How often do you feel like going out to help your neighbor when you don’t even have the energy to clean your own house? How can you visit the sick and afflicted when you are always sick?
Well, I feel a bit like the pot calling the kettle black. I hope ya’ll won’t feel like I’m getting on my high horse. This post is mostly to kick my rear in gear and get me motivated to be physically fit. I try to eat healthy, I think about exercising ( 🙂 ) and I usually stay motivated for a week or two at a time. But one thing I’m beginning to realize as I study this is that if it’s important to the Lord for us to be healthy and physically fit, then that means we have the privilege of asking for His help. What an odd thing to think about… praying for the desire to exercise… to conquer the constant cravings for sweets. Huh. But why not? Whatever our physical ailment, we can certainly pray for help when it’s needed: help to stop smoking or drinking; when we’re sick; and when we need help to get physically fit*.
So I guess it’s time to get moving! 😀 Here’s to eating healthy, being physically active, and accomplishing all sorts of good things! Good luck. 😉
*Side note: Please do not confuse being physically fit with being super model thin. These are not the same! As with any good thing, they can be taken to the extreme. Becoming obsessed with your looks and how skinny you are is as equally unhealthy as neglecting to take care of your body. Remember balance and moderation in all things.
Please refer to D&C 89 for a full outline of healthy guidelines along with promised blessings. Click HERE.
Food Storage And Beyond 