The Tribune

By Rev Angela C Bosfield Palacious

We are made up of three areas of great importance. Each needs to be given individual emphasis even as the three together need integration if we are to become whole persons.

Our bodies require care of a particular sort in order to remain as healthy as possible. How well do you do on the following checklist?

1. Knowing when your body sends signal so as to respond appropriately, for example when enough food has been consumed.
2. Taking seriously the call to drink water in order to keep all the organs, tissues and cells properly hydrated.
3. Admitting the need to eat whole grain, vegetables, fruit and nuts in adequate quantities so as to aid the digestive system's functioning.
4. Making changes that are age-appropriate so as to prevent unnecessary injury.
5. Resting, sleeping, and engaging in leisure activities to re-create the body.
6. Having annual physicals to let prevention dictate outcomes more than efforts at cures.

Our minds are equally in need of proper attention. How well do you score on this test?

1. Educational development that continues life-long learning.
2. Protection from pornography, violence and obscenity as much as possible.
3. Conversation that builds up rather than tears down.
4. Engaging in positive thoughts with decisions made to promote well-being

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4: 4-9 NIV)

Our spirits are very sensitive and need to be guarded and guided by the Holy Spirit. What do you do to grow spiritually? Are these a part of your discipline?

1. Daily devotions to keep the spirit nourished and encouraged.
2. Regular worship to keep God as the centre of your focus.
3. Engagement in meaningful ministry.
4. Sharing of the Good News with others in order to build up the Kingdom.
5. Giving generously in gratitude for blessings received.

"Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:14-19 NIV).

These are just ways to keep a balance in body, mind and spirit. As you pray, God will lead the way into a richer and more abundant life. Let us make the most of what we have and teach others to do the same. May we always lead by example and present to the world the pleasing prospect of a life in harmony with God and a life-style that brings honour to God's name.