Everybody wants to live
for a long time. It is a universal desire to be happy and healthy. However,
many people are not living to their full potential because they may be putting
the effort in the wrong places. I believe God wants us all to live a long,
satisfied life.
Recently, when I tuned
into the radio, I heard a commercial claiming that we can lose weight without
exercise, diet, or basically no effort on our part. They said that their
technology can help us lose 10 pounds for only a small fee of a few thousand
dollars. I’m sure there are people out there who will fall for it but don’t let
that be you. Today, let me share seven
keys to long life.
1. Eat regularly. I hope this is good news to your ears! Unlike popular belief, eating
is not the problem. God made us to enjoy food. What we eat is the key. It is
better to eat several meals a day than to starve and then eat all you can.
Think of your body as a car engine. The more active we are during the day, the
more fuel it will need to run smoothly. Eat slowly because it takes 20 minutes
for the stomach to signal the brain that is full. People in France and China
eat heartily and yet they’re not overweight because they take their time
eating, laughing, and enjoying their meal in moderation. Try to avoid food at
least two to three hours prior to bedtime.
2. Eat small portions. As we get older, our metabolism slows down. Our body
takes three to four hours to process the food. When we snack all day, it gives
the digestive system no rest. Small portions take a shorter time to process.
Eat from a small plate; it will trick your eyes and brain into eating less
because it appears as more. When we eat less, we feel more energetic.
3. Cut down on sweets. Sugar, salt, and heroine are all white substances
that harm our bodies. An average American takes about 32 spoons of sugar every
day! Is it any wonder that we’re the heaviest country in the world? Just
because sodas and deserts come in large and meal portions doesn’t mean we’ve to
finish it. We shouldn’t waste. But it is better to waste food than to waste
your body.
4. Get active.
No amount of diet or technology can substitute exercise. The methods really
don’t matter as much as regularity and discipline do. I’ve learned that every
bit adds up. I often take the farthest parking spot in a parking lot. There’s
always space there and others don’t dent my car! I also break down my exercise time
into two or three segments per day. Of course this requires dedication and
discipline but later it even becomes enjoyable. I take this time to pray or
listen to a podcast to learn something. Burning calories slowly is better than
a fast and short burst of exercise. I walk for about 20-25 miles every week.
You can do that easily!
5. Don’t smoke.
If you do, get help and quit as soon as you can. Our dependency on drugs (even
prescription ones) and chemicals will shorten our lives. Those harmful products
come with a health warning for a reason. Your body is the temple of the Holy
Spirit. What you put in it is a test of stewardship. If you want to live a long
life, you have to make the right choices.
6. Drive safely. Speeding may be thrilling and a habit but it will hasten your meeting
with Jesus. I’m guilty of this myself but when we drive above the speed limit,
angels are not obligated to protect us. Whether we agree or not, it is good
citizenship to abide by the law of the land. If we want our kids to drive
safely, we have to set a good example for them.
7. Pray for divine health. It doesn’t matter what your
health condition is right now; you can get better. If you’re sick, Jesus can
heal you. But God won’t do what you can do for yourself. Your body is not only
where you live but it is where God lives. Pray for long, satisfied life. It is
part of your inheritance in Christ. Every time I pass a certain landmark, I
have a habit of praying, “Thank you Lord
for a long satisfied life”. When we pray for divine health, quoting health
and healing scriptures daily then we’ll live a long, satisfied life as God has
promised us. I pray and declare health, healing, and wholeness over your body
today and all the days of your life.
“With long life I will satisfy him and show him my
salvation” (Psalm 91:16 ESV).
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