Your body requires subjection to be spiritually active

We belong to God. Our body belongs to God now by the precious blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:19,20). Earlier in darkness, we loved the pleasures of sin and the world. A believer must glorify God through his body. No amount of compulsion can change the heart to get this body to obey. Only loving God with all our heart, mind, and strength will bring this body to subjection.

Paul says that he brings the body to subjection lest he falls away after preaching about self-control. (1 Corinthians 9:25-27)

Before the born-again experience, we focused on pleasing the body through food, clothing, sexual immorality, and fitness. Today, those same things require a radical approach now that we are new creatures in Christ.

How to bring your body under subjection according to the Word of God?

1. Food - If given to appetite, put a knife to your throat (Proverbs 23:2). 

2. Clothing - Dress modestly. It means covering every private part - showing your cleavage or tight clothing that reveals your figure etc., is a strict no-no. Stylish hair displays and ornaments attract unnecessary attention and are immodest (1 Timothy 2:9). Listen to your local ministers, elders, and spiritually active women in the church. Just because there is no rule in the Bible about what to wear, it does not mean we can walk as our heart desires.

3. Bodily exercise profits little. Desire to grow spiritually. Walk or run for good health at home or a park. Meeting Jim or Jill at the Gym is an unnecessary temptation. (1 Timothy 4:8)

4. Sexual immorality - FLEE sexual immorality. Sex is restricted to marriage. (1 Corinthians 6:18) (2 Timothy 2:22)

Whatever involves the flesh requires subjection. We cannot control ourselves without allowing the Holy Spirit to work. The Spirit of God keeps our spirit from falling, provided we submit to God. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. 

May the fruit of the Spirit be found in our lives daily as we prepare for Jesus’ soon return. Praise God, and Amen.