Fitness isn't a state of body; it is a state of mind that ultimately affects the soul.

We are the only created thing that God fashioned with an intricate mind, body and soul. Genesis 1:26 says, "Let us create man in our image, according to our likeness." You are perfect and wonderfully made!

To have optimal health, three things are required from us: engaging our minds, energizing our bodies and equipping our souls.

Where do you put yourself on your to-do list? Is it near the top where you respect yourself enough to take care of your mind-body-soul, or are you penciled in at the bottom? Exercising self-care is not self-indulgent. How are we to offer sacrifices of praise and give thanks in everything if we tear ourselves down mentally? When we're comforted and cared for, we are able to go out into our world and make a difference. The transformation of your body starts in your mind.

Do you treat your body with respect? Exercise, a healthy diet and rest need to be key components in your life. It was common practice for me to be at the gym seven days a week for two hours, and some days returning for a second time. I thought I was so in control. Then I compared time spent in the gym with time in God's word. Not only did this hinder my relationship with the Lord, it also was taking a toll on my body. The road to idolatry was widened with every visit to the gym. I was a fitness fanatic. I needed to surrender this obsession to the Lord.

Also, I'd inhale food like it was my last meal. Exercise and food became my gods. After many months of counseling and emotional work, I understood the hunger and passion I searched for was actually eternal comfort.

As for equipping the soul, how do you care for your temple? "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" (I Corin-thians 6:19)

We spend a great amount of time taking care of temporal things like our homes, cars and clothing. But what about the only thing God has eternally given us: our soul?

Recently, God asked me to stand in front of a mirror and said, "Look deeper. I can show you what you have been overlooking." I discovered that outward physical characteristics were blinding my perspective. We must get the spotlight off the body and focus on the soul, to look at the eternal, not the temporal.

Go look into your mirror and claim the promise of Psalm 139:14: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. ... "

Continue saying that every time you see yourself in the mirror until you believe it. God can richly bless you emotionally, with a positive mind and unspeakable joy; physically, with understanding your body and treating it with respect; and spiritually, with an intimate relationship with the Lord, so you can be a victorious revelation.

Tammy Coleman, who lives with her family in Kapolei and attends Makakilo Baptist Church, is a discussion leader for Bible Study Fellowship International.