“The Deuteronomy Challenge!” The spirit, mind, and body program is a holistic wellness program based on four major biblical scriptures:
- Deuteronomy 6:4-5; “O’Israel listen: Jehovah is our God, Jehovah alone. You must love him with all your heart, soul, and might.”
- Matthew 22:37; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.”
- Mark 12:29-30; “Jesus replied, the one that says, ‘hear O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only God. And you must love him with all your heart and soul and mind and strength.”
- Luke 10:27; “It says that you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind. And you must love your neighbor just as much as you love yourself.”
The thesis behind the Deuteronomy Challenge is that God purposely uses three scriptures in the New Testament with emphasis on the spirit, mind, and body that mirror the “Great Commandment” found in the book of Deuteronomy. Discipleship, in both the Old and New Testaments, entails the whole life of the believer to live according to the obedience of God’s will. This form of discipleship is made up of three important components that humans are tasked to worship God with; the spirit (religious), mind (intellect), and body (physical being). This program utilizes your mind, your spiritual walk, and your physical wellness to transform your whole self (soul) into a better and healthier disciple. It is in the daily interaction of these three components that the person can better themselves holistically over time.
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
Romans 13:14 (ESV)
Spirit
Daily activity that contributes to the faith-based community in a certain area. This is intended for the local church community in a specific area. This includes being more active in one church, holding Bible studies, meditation, intensive prayer, biblical coaching, ministerial efforts, theological studies, academic work (seminary involvement), or simply attending church more often. This category delves into heavy spiritual discipleship and spiritual formation in the life of the subject for the strict purpose of becoming more Christ-like.
Mind
Each day the challenger spends a designated amount of time or effort in trying to enrich the the mental focus or stability of the brain. The goal is to clear the mind of depression, clutter, or anxiety, and elevate the challenger to a more stimulating and mentally challenging position in society. This entails a daily task that expands the intellect and opens the psyche to reason, logic, and focus. This includes, and is not limited to, reading (challenging material), chess, research, academic study, mind puzzles/games, trivia, etc… The goal is to invigorate the cerebrum and set the mind on a healthy path.
Body
This portion of the program encapsulates anything dealing with physical fitness and exercise. The main goal is to work on a physical stronghold that is detrimental to the challenger. God speaks often against gluttony so the majority of participants will focus on weight loss but this is not necessarily the only part of the body that needs work. In many instances, minor deficiencies in the body or the limbs might need daily attention for a full recovery or positive physical change, for example: speech impediments, arthritis, soreness of joints, sexual problems, etc… Keep in mind that in some cases an abstinence of physical activity is just as healthy as physical interaction.
A Living Sacrifice
Romans 12:1–2 (ESV).
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
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Your Body is a Temple
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (ESV).
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Welcome, God Bless, & Work the Program; Be a Better Believer!
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Spirit, Mind, & Body Resources
“Prayers belong strictly to the worship of God. Fasting is a subordinate aid, which is pleasing to God no farther than as it aids the earnestness and fervency of prayer. We must hold by this rule, that the duties of men are to be judged according as they are directed to a proper and lawful end. We must hold, also, by this distinction, that prayers are a direct worship of God; while fastings are a part of worship only on account of their consequences.”
John Calvin
Meaningful Masculinity 