Pure Worship

They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen. -Romans 1:25

In college I often ran to the beach and along a strand of oceanfront homes. As I jogged upon the sand my eyes would gaze in wonder at the vast ocean formed by the same hands that made me. My thoughts would fill with praises and my heart with thanksgiving, knowing that it was made by the God who had saved me from the pits of my despair. On one occasion I remember jogging behind a young, fashionably dressed couple. Their heads were turned towards the impressive beachfront homes, many of which belonged to celebrities. I slowed down to watch as they pointed towards each home talking as they went. Never did I see them fix their eyes upon the sea or the sun that had begun to set. I wondered how our Creator felt in that moment, knowing that his beloved had failed to fix their gaze upon his majesty. I knew that I too had many times walked their steps and worshipped someone or something – a created thing rather than my Creator.

On our HEAL journey, let us ask ourselves, what do I worship? Who do I elevate to a place of significance and worth other than God? Is it a woman with a slim frame; is it fashion, personality, status? What do we fix our eyes upon and give our heart to that is not worthy of the life that is within us?

Embracing the Gift of Exercise

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.
Romans 12:5

Living on the central coast of California I am blessed to live near the ocean and enjoy the sport of surfing. Every time my feet hit the water and I jump on my board, I feel fully alive. I’ve watched many glorious sunsets pour their brilliant colors upon the water and have danced upon waves as dolphins surfed alongside me. I love that I have been given a healthy body that can take me to amazing places shaped by the same God that formed me in my mother’s womb. Being able to move our bodies and explore the world is such a gift our awesome God has given us. It is a life-giving opportunity to worship the God that has so fearfully and wonderfully each of made us. I know that not every one is as blessed, though a healthy body and the ability to exercise are gifts that are easy to take for granted.

In our media-driven society exercise is often viewed as a form of punishment for our imperfect bodies, rather than a good and perfect gift from above. Exercise is worship when done with a pure heart and thanksgiving. It is a gift we can give ourselves and even to our loved ones. If you catch yourself putting exercise on your "have to" list, maybe it's time for a new activity. We have every reason to get excited about being active! Get creative with this wonderful gift! Find something – at least one sport or type of exercise that you love. There’s tap dancing, kickboxing, power walking, rollerblading, skateboarding, soccer, hiking, kayaking, karate, gymnastics, snowboarding, surfing! Come on girls – we’ve got a lot of options to choose from!

Always remember that you are body beautiful - you have arms to hug, eyes to discover, feet to travel upon. You are blessed. Pray and work for a healthy, active heart and body - one that will allow you to tackle the irreplaceable role God has called you to.