Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14 (emphasis added)
We began yesterday considering how these verses provide a “nudge” regarding plans for a new year. Though there is nothing spiritual about New Year’s Day, but each new year affords us an opportunity to do some things of spiritual value. Here are three. Yesterday was about doing something of spiritual value. Today let’s think of something of physical value.
It is common for many of us to reassess the stewardship of our physical health. Let me share a punch list of physical/health matters to consider.
Have you needed to see a doctor about anything but have been putting it off? Why not commit to making appointments whether there is something wrong in particular, or even if it is a routine check up that you’ve been stalling. Prevention that catches small matters before they become big matters is wisdom.
Then of course, there’s diet and exercise, especially if the holidays and brought with them a relaxed attitude regarding these things. I am not advocating making crazy commitments that we are liable to break inside of two weeks. Just make some reasonable commitments to eat more wisely and to do at least some exercise for a reasonable amount of time at least three days each week. More might be better, but what can be sustained is way better than what will be quickly scuttled! And if you know anyone who might be an accountability partner in the diet and exercise department, enlist help.
Paul counseled his young protégé, Timothy, to eat and drink wisely for his health:
No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. 1 Timothy 5:23
and that there is value in bodily exercise:
For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8
Maybe the New Year is a good time to take Paul’s advice.
Next time: relational new beginnings.