Have you noticed the emphasis folks put on being healthy these days? From Biggest Loser to Dr. Phil everyone is trying to get in shape. I’ve always been a “fat” man. I wouldn’t know what it was like to be able to run up a flight of stairs or tie my shoes without taking a break to catch my breath. Changes are in place to resolve much of my unhealthy living and poor choices in taking care of myself physically.
In making these adjustments I’ve learned a few lessons that carry over into the Spiritual realm. John makes a bold statement about spiritual health in 3 John 2 “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” Wow, John could pass a death sentence on to a lot of people with this statement. I hope your physical health is a well as your spiritual health. Shocking as it may be, many of us are in poor spiritual health. Many have all the sin sickness that the world suffers. All of this could be cured if everyone would mind their spiritual well-being like they do their bodies.
Here is a Spirit Filled Rx for your soul. Follow these instructions and you will soon be healthy as can be. Begin with bolstering your defenses against attack. Spiritually sick souls can die even with the smallest temptations and trials. If you live in this world you know the germs of persecution, temptation and struggle will eventually plague you. However, you can take steps to ward off these attacks with a dose of God’s immunization. He says if we resist the devil then the devil will flee (James 2:7). Here is how to resist the devil’s attack.
Steady and regular exercise. This includes doing good works (Ephesians 2:10). Serving the Lord and fellow man (Matthew 20:27-28). God has given each of us a place to work in the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:6,7). So get busy “building up the Kingdom for the Lord.” When you do this it will fortify your soul and the souls of others.
Regular Periods of Rebuilding. Our bodies need time to rest to rebuild. Bob and Jillian harp on this on the Biggest Loser. Tear down and wear out the body so it can rest and rebuild. You need relaxation and rest to be healthy both physically and spiritually. Even our Lord took time away from the daily work to be alone and rejuvenate (Mark 6).
This is not a prescription for doing nothing or being lazy. These resting times are more a time to feed our souls in mind on godly things. Thinking on the right things (Philippians 4:8)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. “
This ruminating on good things is the perfect pill for refreshing the heart. Read good uplifting literature. Spend quality time with people who encourage you to be Christ-like. Take time to see God’s handiwork. Enjoy wholesome music and conversation and recreation. This will enliven your soul so you can face hard times more effectively.
Eat A Proper Diet This is the hard one for a lot of us physically. It is just more fun to eat sweets and junk food. It is easier just not to think about what that theater popcorn with extra butter is doing to our bodies. Side note here get this:
A medium-sized popcorn and medium soda at the nation’s largest movie chain pack the nutritional equivalent of three Quarter Pounders topped with 12 pats of butter, according to a report released today by the advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest Check out the story here.
I wonder what the R rated movie does to the soul? The carnage spiritually of feeding on worldly junk is far more dangerous than pigging down three burgers topped with 12 pats of butter.
The Words of God are light and life (John 6:68). We grow by feeding on the milk of the word (1 Peter 2:2-3). We eventually mature to the meat of the word (Hebrews 5:12; 14).
If you follow this outline for spiritual health you can measure your progress. Othere will see your good works and glorify the Father in heaven.
Let’s all get on the Spiritual health Fitness plan and become strong, vibrant disciples able to help others.
crossed my mind as I ate my subway sandwich outside in the courtyard. The sparrows, pigeons, and starlings all came begging for a few crumbs. It was a little scary when the number shot up to hundreds. Still I felt privileged to share my sandwich with some of God’s creation. I began to think about how God uses us to care for the earth and creatures who live here. People have a big responsibility to help the less fortunate and those who are disadvantaged.
