The Tribune

By Rev Angela C Bosfield Palacious

How do you treat the temple of the Lord? Is your mind renewed and your spirit transformed?

Let us take a Lenten journey in search of answers. A healthy body involves the following and more:

1. Good nutrition to promote well-being throughout the body.

2. Exercise to keep muscles toned, and weight regulated.

3. The daily drinking of the required glasses of water.

4. The amount of sleep that is recommended for persons at each age and stage.

5. Daily opportunities to rest and relax to promote stress relief.

6. Proper attire for each season to keep warm when it is cold and cool when hot.

7. An annual physical examination to check eye, teeth, and the rest of the body.

8. Use of supplements as recommended by the doctor or nutritionist.

9. The proper use of medication if prescribed.

10. Necessary amounts of fresh air and sunshine.

Score yourself out of 100, using the method of 10 as the highest points for each category. How well did you do? Select one area to begin to work on today and notify your accountability partner.

A healthy mind requires the following and even more:

1. Pray and plan rather than worry as it makes it too difficult to think clearly.

2. Forgive yourself and others so that you are not brooding or planning revenge.

3. Prioritise what needs to happen each day, each week, each month, each year.

4. Delegate, wherever possible, so that someone responsible may assist you.

5. Minimise debt, keeping it manageable to avoid unnecessary spending.

6. Read inspiring literature, watch uplifting programmes and listen to positive music (avoiding pornography and the glorification of violence and crime).

7. Engage in positive conversations (not gossip and constant complaining or arguments).

8. Study to grow and learn something new as often as possible.

9. Enjoy the arts and travel to discover other cultures (and not merely to shop)

10. Engage in meaningful hobbies and interest.

Score yourself out of 100, using the method of 10 as the highest points for each category. How well did you do? Select one area to begin to work on today and notify your accountability partner. A healthy spirit involves the following and more:

1. Reconciliation with God by confessing sin, repenting, and engaging in daily prayer, worship, the study of scripture, and ministry.

2. Reconciliation with others by apologising where appropriate, forgiving (without accepting abuse), agreeing to disagree, keeping a safe distance without hatred if there is a possibility of violence.

3. Reconciliation with oneself by forgiving oneself with no further shame, controlling anger, spending time and money wisely.

4. Accepting what cannot be changed (leaving some things to God after numerous attempts).

5. Taking control of what can be changed and taking initiate to make it happen.

6. Receive counselling for addictions or conflict, and spiritual direction, or healing therapy.

7. Form strong and encouraging friendships.

8. Celebrate family as a gift or adopt persons who will help to create a healthy environment.

9. Enjoy school as a gift for self-development and work as a meaningful contribution to society (pray for a change if it is not rewarding in some way or if unemployed).

10. Celebrate life with gratitude as the abundant gift of God made possible by Jesus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Score yourself out of 100, using the method of 10 as the highest points for each category. How well did you do? Select one area to begin to work on today and notify your accountability partner.

Write a pledge or promise to yourself and God to be faithful in your selected areas, and measure your improvement. Recite each day that you will love God, with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength, and your neighbour as yourself. Keep praying for revelation as to what this will look like on a daily basis. God bless your journey.