Romans 12: 1
Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Yoga can be a very contemplative time and yesterday was one of those quiet, pensive times. Thoughts about my body as a temple came to me and that is what I pondered the rest of the day which brought this verse to mind.
I have heard this verse preached and I have read it, both many times. Most of the time when anyone referenced this verse the language took on the tone of the law. I, too, want to say present your bodies to God as an act of your spiritual devotion but I have never preached on this verse for the very reason that it almost always comes out sounding like a pronouncement of law. As I enjoyed my yoga class, I felt the shift within me as relates to this verse.
After class, the instructor and I had a short conversation. In those moments she remarked how we are taking our health seriously and proactively engaging in those things which support health and wellness. I find myself thinking that first, we actually have health and fitness goals. Possibly many people do not. Then, we are pursuing those goals through diet and exercise, as well as quiet meditation time in which we can receive Father’s instruction. There is a nuance about devoting our bodies to God which does not cause us to succumb to legal mandates but rather becomes a cooperative with God. It almost becomes a praise exercise but definitely a time in His presence.
As we present our bodies to God, it is an offering. Therefore, the presentation is not all about what we have done, are doing, or need to do right. This verse doesn’t have to mean, EAT RIGHT, EXERCISE, etc. It can, instead, be a time of thanksgiving and submission when He can teach us and lead us into the things which are good for us.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for the magnificent work of art and mechanics that our bodies are. I thank you that you are not only the creator of this miracle of life but also the healer. You created this wonderful machine and know how to keep it functioning and how to repair it. Lead us, Dear One, in how to get the maximum enjoyment and function out of our bodies. We present ourselves to you, Lord, as an offering. Please receive our offering and anoint it with your grace and wisdom. We thank you for it in Jesus’ name. Amen.