1 Corinthians 9:27
NKJV - 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
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For the Christian, the body is now the temple of God the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Therefore, we should care for our physical and emotional well-being in the same way that we would keep a building in which God dwells from being desecrated or becoming neglected. Aside from showing respect for God, maintaining a healthy body and attitude also allows us to be of maximum effectiveness in carrying out the earthly calling in which God has placed us, and in witnessing about our faith to others, both from the standpoint of practicing the habits that we recommend to others (and thus not being seen -- or, as Paul said, having ourselves "disqualified" -- as hypocritical), and also of possessing health and energy to devote to our occupations and witnessing, and having a longer life in which to be productive and to tell others about God. We should strive to maintain good condition through purposeful physical activity, and by not over-indulging in or practicing habits that can detract from optimal health (such as eating excessive amounts, over-consuming alcohol, or smoking). We should also discipline ourselves by being in control of our emotions and desires, so that neither internal "cravings", habits, or thought patterns, nor external events or circumstances, can take precedence over our relationship with God, and our obedience to Him.
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