In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul says, “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything. We must be on guard against degradation of our bodies & health. We also must guard against the worship of our bodies & health. Both cases are dishonoring to God. We want a balanced view of how we care for this temple (as the Bible calls our bodies). A little bit later in 1 Corinthians 10:23 Paul says, “All things are permissible, but not all beneficial.” I don’t know about you, but I want to do what’s beneficial! Yes, you CAN choose to do or not do anything you want, you have that freedom…
You’re free to eat food & drinks that pollute your body
You’re free to neglect exercise and proper movement of your body
You’re free to think in destructive ways about yourself & others
HOWEVER, you are NOT free to choose the consequences of those choices. God’s word teaches also that we reap what we sow in Galatians 6:7-8. Do you know what I love so much about God’s Word? HIS TRUTH IS TRUTH, no matter what area of life we apply it to!
We cannot and should not live like our choices do not matter! 1 Timothy 4:8…”for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” As good as we can care for this body, 100% of us will leave this earth. My point is this…taking care of your body is important, but in no way does it compare to taking care of your spiritual life.