In God's Image

Photo Credit: lds.org

I remember the amazement that overwhelmed my husband and I when expecting our first child and getting to hear her heart beat for the first time. It was amazing to learn week by week what went on with her body as she grew for 40 weeks. Seeing her for the first time there was no doubt in my mind that a connection to heaven was there. In the scriptures we read about the creation of the world as well as the creation of the first man and woman. Our bodies are gifts not only from our parents, but from our Creator. President Monson shared that "One marvels at the perfectly formed child. The tiny toes, the delicate fingers, the beautiful head, to say nothing of the hidden but marvelous circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems, all testify to the truth of a divine Creator. (Thomas S. Monson, 1993. Invitation to Exaltation.)" What wonderful gifts are the mortal vessels given to us. As such, we need to understand that caring for them is a sign of respect and gratitude for that blessing.

"In the image of his own body, male and female, created he them." (Moses 6:9)

I don't know of anyone who has not struggled in some way with the caring of their mortal body. I admit that for me personally the struggle has been off and on. I know what I am supposed to do to keep my body in the best condition, but fall into these moments where I take it for granted. This leads to little to no motivation to exercise or properly nourish it. When I come out of those moments of weakness, the guilt sets in and I criticize myself for what I have not accomplished. I believe a key to unlocking our health and fitness potential lies in understanding the the sacred origin and purpose of our bodies.

"Our mortal bodies are so consequential that they merit the creation of an earth to make it possible to fulfill the eternal gospel plan of our Heavenly Father...Depending on age and size, the body is a composite of tens of trillions of tiny cells. Each little cell is a very independent unit with its own specific function. Each is busily manufacturing who we are, how we function, and, in many ways, the quality of our lives. There is no aspect of our existence...that is not affected by our physical well-being or lack of it...In a year's time many of the trillion of little cells and components that make us who we are will replace themselves...If we use inferior materials to work with, we will end up with an inferior product. If, however, we are willing to provide superior materials, we may end up with a superior product...Our bodies are the vehicles that will go with us through the eternities. We do know that the body will respond positively or negatively according to the care we provide or fail to provide. It will adapt to the stresses placed upon it...If we require the body to strengthen all the muscles and give the cardiovascular and respiratory systems work and experience, they will continue to function as they were meant to do. If we give each joint the opportunity to maintain its full range of motion, we can have efficient, full use of our instrument. We can accomplish our work, enjoy our play, relieve debilitating stress, and push back our fatigue threshold. We are...dynamic beings whose vital systems all depend upon movement and use. We rarely lose our physical capabilities in normal living, but we give them up through nonsense...We all have stumbling blocks placed in our way--those are our growth-promoting experiences. Many temptations, testing, and challenges come through the body. This is part of our proving ourselves. There will be challenges in this life, for our bodies are subject to the natural processes of this mortal world. We are all subject to pain, disease, injury, aging, and infirmity. (Sara Lee Gibb, 1989. Our Mortal Body -- A Sacred Gift)"

I can't express it any better than Sara Gibb so eloquently stated, we give up physical capability through nonsense. Nonsense meaning foolish or unacceptable behavior. Of course there are some exceptions when it comes to disease, injury, or defects. And it is not only with our physical abilities. The same applies for our mental and emotional well-being. What you allow yourself to think, to do, it will manifest itself in your health. Mental and emotional stumbling road blocks are just as real as physical limitations can be to our bodies. The opportunity for healing in all aspects of our well being lies in our ability to trust our care in God, at times medical professionals, and ourselves. We very much have a personal responsibility.

If you don't feel at your best physically, mentally and emotionally, think...what are you doing to prevent feeling your best? It can be a disconnect in priorities. Is it more important for you to give into that temptation and moment of perceived happiness, than to overcome the temptation and instead seek lasting health and happiness? You will find the more you overcome those stumbling blocks along the way, it is like clearing a physical and/or mental hurdle, and you will feel empowered to do more. I've seen it with friends and family. Know your potential! You were made to be victorious not to be broken and in disrepair. I believe that we can reach the heights of our health and well being in involving God in that battle. He will take us as we are now, and with our efforts combined, there will be realized a potential that alone we could otherwise not accomplish.