The recent report on the increased obesity of clergy in our nation reminds us that we need to be intentional about the care of our bodies. It is not unusual in our culture to respond to stress by eating or drinking in an unhealthy manner. As pastors and educators (P/E), we need to take seriously that this is a spiritual issue. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19, “Do you not know that your body is a temple (or sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own?”
By virtue of our call, we are not our own. We have been set aside by God for a special purpose. As part of our responding to that call, we need to pay attention to our physical well being. Yet, like all human beings, we are also subject to the stresses of our culture. Therefore, we need to be intentional about caring for our physical selves.
As a beginning, we need to give ourselves permission to take time for physical exercise. We need to see the time required to do this as part of being obedient to our call. If taking time for physical exercise is not already a habit, we need to build in support for altering our already filled schedule.
First, take a piece of paper and make a quick list of the variety of ways that one can engage in physical exercise. As individuals there are such things as walking, running, swimming, weight lifting, etc. Once you have your list, look at it and see what is most attractive to you. What is a modest way that you can begin with one form of exercise that is already attractive to you.
Second, look at some of the ways people get exercise in connection with other people. Some play sports, attend exercise classes, find a partner to walk with, run with, etc. Who do you know who might enjoy partnering with you to begin a better exercise program. Having someone else who expects you to participate helps build support for changing your habits. I play racquet ball early in the morning. Knowing that someone is at the courts waiting for me is a strong incentive to get out of bed and get going. Some people have found that true of an early morning or evening walking program.
A next, rather scary step would be to explore the spiritual dimensions of taking care of your physical body, preaching or teaching a course on it, and sharing with your congregation your desire to improve your body and inviting them to do the same. There is nothing like public commitment to strengthen your resolve.
