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.