Our body is a gift
given to us through the Grace of the Almighty. It is to be a tool for
expressing in earthly visible form, the abilities and wishes of the otherwise
invisible human spirit, our inner core. The purpose of living on earth is to
learn the Laws of God and thereby gain maturity. However, to be active here on
earth, we require the physical body as a tool. It is therefore our duty to take
good care of this tool. We must nourish it with health promoting food, drinks
and adequate exercise in order to keep our bodies healthy for as long as we are
permitted to be here.
Over-indulgence in
food and drink need to be avoided. Let us eat only when we are hungry and drink
enough water which cleanses the body system.
If we must drink other liquids apart from water, then these must be
taken in moderation, and we need not drink any liquid to the point of
intoxication. Let us work and make time for rest. Inordinate ambition for
earthly goals should not ruin the balance we need for healthy living.
Now we come to an
especially important aspect. Many think that by depriving their bodies of required
nourishment they can become pleasing to God or can influence the Lord to grant
their wishes. Some people impose all sorts of torture on their own bodies just
so that they can boast later about this in self-satisfaction and in order be
considered great in the eyes of men. We should not be under any delusion that
we can serve the Almighty by imposing hardships on our body.
Although not
compulsory, some may find it useful to abstain from food occasionally for some
of its health benefits or with the aim of creating for themselves an atmosphere
of sobriety and a fertile soil for spiritual reflection and prayers. While
fasting may be useful to man, it is neither a service to our Creator nor a negotiating
tool which can be employed when approaching Him.
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