Total Temple Makeover
from the Inside Out
Tired of trying to get your body in shape so you can feel good
about yourself? Use the acronym T-E-M-P-L-E and find your peace about loving the
body you’re in:
T- Take
the time and energy to cultivate the inward woman
“Though outwardly we
are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day”
(2 Corinthians 4:16 ).
(
Our temples are falling apart every day. We can do all the
botox, plastic surgery, and hair color we want to do, but if Jesus doesn’t come
back before we die—our bodies will turn back to dust. Renew your spirit in
Christ every single day for eternal purposes.
E- Eat
according to the leadings of the Spirit and not the cravings of the flesh “No temptation has taken you except what is
common to man”
(1 Corinthians
10:13 )
(
Have you talked to God about making the right food choices before
you eat? The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. We need to listen and
obey the Spirit’s direction for what we should or shouldn’t eat. You will be
surprised at how much more control you will gain over the flesh…one day at a time.
M - Maintain your temple with
diligence
“No discipline seems
pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of
righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11 )
Generations ago women had to walk miles for water, search
for wood for the fire, chase down chickens, walk the cows—they were getting
exercise. We must get up and live Proverbs 31:17 “She sets about
her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” Get up! Do something
active!
P- Pray for a balanced lifestyle plan
that works for you.
“If any of you lack
wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to you.” (James
1:5 )
Most of us know that we must eat less bad food and more good
food. We got it. But we need to take the next step of applying that knowledge
to our everyday life by seeking God’s wisdom. He made you. He knows what works
best for your body.
L- Let go of unrealistic expectations
“I have learned to be
content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11 )
I don’t get how someone could wear a size zero…isn’t zero
nothing? Also, let go of trying to get to a certain “number”—it can become a
stronghold where you’re happy when your weight is down and sad when it goes up.
God has called us to peace. Trust in His leading and you will be satisfied with
yourself from the inside out.
E- Enjoy
your temple as a gift from God.
“Do not boast about
tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring” (Proverbs 27:1 )
I heard Kay Arthur say, “Wear short sleeves and high heels
as long as you can”. I love it. Enjoy the life God has given you while you
still have breath in your body. Life is short. Our days on earth are numbered
so enjoy an ice cream cone every now and then—but master the desire to please
yourself more than you’re pleasing God.
Bottom line…you were created with exquisite care and beauty
with the finger of God. What you may consider to be a mark of ugliness is God
revealing His glory and countenance through you. No matter your body type, hair
texture, skin color, or shoe size—you are God’s handiwork created in Christ
Jesus to do good works (Ephesians
2:10 ).
Let today be the first
day of your journey to becoming the woman God created you to be!
The New International
Version. 2011. Grand Rapids ,
MI : Zondervan.