As they say, the truth will set you free. A new, correct perspective on God’s purposes for our health and wellness is a game changer. After all, if God has entrusted us with these earthly vessels—not to mention all the work and plans he has for us while living in them—then where do we get off trashing them by eating what we want and sitting around letting them atrophy? Where do we get off neglecting sleep, harboring bitterness, and putting off the healing practice of prayer? (Maybe you don’t do these things—we are speaking from personal experience here.)

How can we rationalize treating ourselves so poorly that we can’t fully engage in our Creator’s purposes for us each and every day?

This goes a step further for those of us who are followers of Jesus. If you are a Christian, God has declared that you are a new creation in Christ. Scripture teaches that when you committed yourself to Jesus, you became a new person, fully and completely: “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Cor. 5:17).

But even though we have been deemed new creations in Christ, many of us aren’t living that way. Instead, we are frustrated, overweight, short on time, low on energy, dealing with chronic lifestyle-related health issues, stressed about work and family, unable to say yes to God’s plans, and not experiencing fulfillment. For too many Christians, health issues—whether physical, spiritual, emotional, or mental—have become a stumbling block to living the abundant life God intends.

Too many of the people filling American churches each weekend aren’t able to experience life to the fullest because they are struggling with their physical bodies, their minds and emotions, and their daily relationships with God. Can you relate? Here is some great news: walking in the reality of your new life in Christ doesn’t hinge on trying harder or doing better. First and foremost, it is about surrendering to the fullness of your transformed identity in him—and then doing your part to live out that fullness in every aspect of your daily life.

– Nelson Searcy and Jennifer Dykes Henson

The above excerpt is from p. 15 of The New You: A Guide to Better Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Wellness.

With your copy of The New You, you will come away with specific strategies on how to lose weight, get more sleep, lower stress, nurture better relationships, connect with God and much more! Anyone who wants to trade in the frustration of average living and less-than health for the hallmarks of the new life God promises will find The New You an effective personal guide for the journey.

Your partner in ministry,

Nelson