I once heard a podcaster command his craving body, “No! You’re not in charge here.” I paused the episode to ask myself: How well do I appropriately stand up to my fleshly cravings for the sake of my soul? Or do I let my body take charge and rule over my values, will, and even obedience to God? As we hit the midway point of Lent we can either start to fall down before the finish line, or we can recommit to ruling ourselves (Proverbs 25:28). I’ve discovered 1) disciplining my body trains it to curb reckless desires and instead provide for its true needs (Proverbs 23:1-3), 2) mortification makes my body know that the Spirit is ruler (Isaiah 58:11, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20), 3) it’s sacred to be able to use a fasting body to minister to the Lord as He gives us the power of self-control, spiritual provision, and holy vocation (Matthew 6:16-18, Acts 13:2-3, 1 Corinthians 7:5). And even if your Lenten season has nothing to do with food or physical restraint, preparing for Easter is still a good time to keep your eyes locked on Jesus as you run this race with endurance (Hebrews 12:1-2). Special Note: If you’ve gone in the opposite direction and are being harmful and damaging to your body, then “running the race with endurance” for you means to endure in being kind in thought, word, and deed to your God-given body.