Your body for Christ
Christians especially do not realize the extent that our bodies are as much tools to use for Christ as our choices.
The Christian understands that their choices must serve God. To choose to follow Gods law even if its not convenient and reject hedonism even if its tempting. The mind must then be trained, fortified, and disciplined to act right in this world. But this same view isnt held for the body.
The body is more of a carrier for the soul (which many equate with the mind, but thats another topic). A meat mech, which the soul uses to traverse earth. The body isnt held in the same regard. The closest most Christians go is refusing a tattoo on their body. Or to not poison it with alcohol.
But theres more to it. A Christian shouldnt get drunk because alcohol is inherently bad, but because inhibits the mind and body from its intended purpose to serve Gods will. Drunkeness inhibits this and so should be avoided. Just like a mind carelessly given to addiction is a hindrance to the care of your responsibilities, a body given to sloth and pleasure can also be a hindrance.
It can be seen by many how the mind affects the body. But what isnt so clear is how the body affects the mind. Because the body and its state will affect hormones. And these hormones WILL affect your mind. If you constantly felt drained and angry all the time for seemingly no reason, how would that not affect how you treat people?
As a Christian we can choose to read the Bible to learn and pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit. So that if temptation comes, we have the Spirit to guard our heart and the word to fortify it. The same way, the body should be kept so that it is able to defend against obstacles that come to it.
But our mind can also be trained not just to prevent bad, but to do good. We can pray for the fruits of the Spirit and wisdom from God so we can bring others closer to Him and guide them well. To explain, encourage, comfort, and edify others.
Similarly, the body can be improved for service to God. Strength can be cultivated to become capable to serve others in ways a weak body cant. Or to be capable to defend the responsibilities God has given you, like your family. Or the strength needed to defend the poor, the widow, or the orphan. Would it not be sad if you couldnt contribute to manual work that could glorify God because your body couldnt handle it? Or you couldnt defend your family against danger because your body was too weak?
These are dramatic hypotheticals, but as a Christian shouldnt we be eager to serve however we can? Why not make an excuse to serve? "Im strong, I can help with this." And as a Christian parent is in charge of the wellbeing of their family, wouldnt it be nice to be able to overpower danger that threatens your family? Or help any neighbor that needed a good Samaritan? "Yes they were fully grown, but I carried them to safety nonetheless."
A dull knife is dangerous because its impotence creates a burden of use. A knife that cant cut stutters and stops, resulting in jumps that may cut the user. Same as a knife, the mind and body should be sharpened to a dangerous edge to be an effective tool. To allow for smooth use, for edifying and creating of good things. For defense of others.
I just see a population of Christians that have developed a very keen mind but sort of just deal with their body. Its especially sad when they become so unhealthy it causes down the roads. Protect your health! Itll give you a better life and you can use it to serve too.