1 Cor. 3:16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are GOD’s temple and that GOD’s SPIRIT lives in you? If anyone destroys GOD’s temple, GOD will destroy him; for GOD temple is sacred, and you are that temple. [New International translation]
Psalms 127:3-4 Children are a gift from GOD, they are his reward. Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows to defend him. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
[Living Bible translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
One of the most extraordinary events in human history is the indwelling of GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT within our bodies. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 3:16 that our bodies are human “churches” or “temples.”
The Bible tells us that children are a gift from GOD. We [as parents, the church, the community, teachers, their models and mentors] have been entrusted with these gifts. Until they can maintain their own temple, we have to teach them good maintenance. We must role-model good maintenance for them.
Physical Maintenance –FOR THE ADOLESCENT
Routine exams are not only for adults but also for adolescents. During the ages 12 to 18, many students, especially those participating in school sports programs, will generally undergo a yearly back-to-school check-up. Many of these exams are required in order to satisfy vaccination requirements. And, for many adolescents, these are the only exams they have until they start school again the next year. However, routine examinations and regular visits to a medical provider can be a good time to address many issues that an adolescent may have including some of the following:
- Obesity Screening---The US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that obesity screening actually begin at age 6 and that, if needed, comprehensive intensive behavioral intervention and treatment occur early. Adolescent screening is just another opportunity for a physician to provide counseling and education about nutrition, and to continue monitoring risks for obesity and health management.
- Behavioral and Social Issues—Some doctors use the adolescent check-up time to discuss behavioral or social issues. Because adolescence is a time of body changes, mood swings, and many social issues, an adolescent check-in may provide a time to discuss peer pressure, body self-image, alcohol and drug issues and even driving practices (e.g., using seat belts, not texting and driving), skin care, hygiene or other issues important to the adolescent. Remember, this may be the time of growth spurts, changes in physiology and emotional changes. Having a doctor calmly explaining what is occurring to a teen can be a big help in helping the adolescent and the parent navigate these transitions.
- Other Routine Tests---Most physicians will conduct routine physical tests, including checking height, weight, cholesterol screening, a check for scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and other tests suitable for the age and sex of the adolescent.
Many parents may also want to monitor the physical fitness level of their adolescent. Many states under their state board of education guidelines have fitness standards that they believe every student should meet. For example California’s Department of Education FITNESSGRAM program with levels of fitness criteria for aerobic capacity, abdominal strength and endurance, trunk extensor strength and flexibility, body composition, upper body strength, and flexibility that students should achieve by gender and age. See, http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/pf/.
The standards were established by the Cooper Institute as a level of fitness that offers some degree of protection against diseases that can occur as a result of sedentary living. If a parent finds that his or her adolescent is not able to meet some of the guidelines, they can discuss these guidelines with the adolescent’s physician or other expert or trainer to create a plan for helping the student meet these guidelines.
Spiritual Maintenance
Good maintenance, physical and spiritual, is a family affair and a part of parenting.
GOD has given parents, churches, teachers, communities the gift of children. It is our responsibility to protect and help them maintain their temples as we maintain ours.
Let us pray that we treasure and protect our “gifts” and BE BLESSED!
