{"id":330,"date":"2018-07-09T14:33:03","date_gmt":"2018-07-09T19:33:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/?p=330"},"modified":"2018-07-09T14:33:03","modified_gmt":"2018-07-09T19:33:03","slug":"living-life-like-a-flamingo-physical-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/living-life-like-a-flamingo-physical-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Living life like a flamingo: Physical Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

I almost ran out of gas in my car the other day. I was a matter of moments away from the engine shutting down and my car rolling to a stop. My car is old (1 year away from being considered an antique!) and it doesn\u2019t have much of a warning system when the gas is almost out so I have to be diligent in monitoring the fuel level. Luckily on this day, despite my carelessness, I made it to a station just in time. <\/span><\/p>\n

A car without gas doesn\u2019t run. We have little problem accepting that as true. A little more difficult to admit however, is the reality that a body without proper fuel doesn\u2019t run for long either. As pastors and ministry leaders if we fail to take care of our physical health our bodies, much like engines, will eventually clunk, sputter and come to a shuffling stop. <\/span><\/p>\n

Excuses Abound<\/h3>\n

According to a recent study the physical health of most clergy (pastors and ministry leaders) is some of the worst compared to other careers. As a whole this group tends to be overweight, burnt out and poor at self-care.<\/span>[1]<\/sup> <\/span>Members of clergy also suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at higher rates than most.<\/span>[2]<\/sup> <\/span>The unfortunate truth is that many ministry leaders have a tendency to let their physical health go unchecked and there are plenty of excuses why: busy schedules, constant traveling, and the need to focus on \u201cspiritual\u201d things. As we continue in our <\/span>Living life like a flamingo: In balance <\/span><\/i>series we will examine the reality that maintaining good physical health is critical for a thriving body, ministry and life. Below are four concerns that all leaders should be aware of, four tips for maintaining good physical health, four benefits of good health and four suggestions to help you implement healthy habits. <\/span><\/p>\n

Four concerns<\/h3>\n

For every excuse we come up with to ignore our physical health there are other important concerns to consider. <\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Our longevity in ministry can be cut short by poor health.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Our sharpness of mind is affected by what we eat and our activity level.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Our physical energy level rises to the demands of ministry if we\u2019re in shape.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. When you feel bad physically, it affects everything else! <\/span>[3]<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Our physical health has a profound impact on our lives as a whole. While what we believe is fundamental, so to is how we live. Our holiness involves wholeness. As wholistic beings we can experience the presence of God in every area of our life \u2013 our physical health is no exception. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Four tips for maintaining good physical health<\/h3>\n

    Here are four basic tips that can contribute to good physical health.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    1. Eat a balanced diet<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Focus on controlling both the quality and the quantity of what you eat. <\/span>We eat to live not live to eat.<\/span>[3]<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

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      1. Exercise regularly<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Your body was not made for inactivity. Even a daily walk can make a huge difference!<\/span>[3]<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

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        1. Get enough sleep and rest<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Rest is so important to our lives. It renews, heals, restores and re-energizes our bodies for the work God has called us to.<\/span>[3]<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

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          1. Drink sufficient amounts of water<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Your body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly.<\/span>[4]<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

            Verses to research and read:<\/span><\/p>\n