Possess Your Own Vessel.

Scripture: …each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor... 1 Thessalonians 4:4 

Observation: Paul is encouraging the Thessalonians to not fall back into their pre-Jesus ways of living, especially in regards to sexual purity. He encourages them that now, in Christ, they ought to know how to “possess their own vessel.” To demonstrate self-control over their bodies, that their bodies might help them live holy and honorable lives.
   Though the context is primarily the relationship between the body and sex, the larger principle here seems to be that believers ought to control their bodies, and not let their bodies control them. This has application not only in sexuality, but in diet, health, addiction, sleep. The larger principle is that believers ought to control their own bodies.

Application: Nibbling at the edge of my soul these last few months has been the question: What obligations do I have to God with my body, other than sexual purity? I know I am overweight and out of shape. Is that something God cares about? The reason I am in this situation is that I am not controlling my body, but letting my body’s cravings and desires control me. I think that God wants me to control my own body in the area of health, not just purity. I do not know what this means fully yet, only that it has implications for me and our church as well.

Prayer: God, I want to control my own body in holiness and honor. Will you show me what that means and then how I can trust you for the power to do so?