Greetings friends and family! Today I am going to write a blog that I have been excited about for a long time! This blog post idea was not my own (it was requested) and I am excited to dive right in! Today I am going to explore the topic of what it means to be spiritually healthy through the lends of nutrition, exercise, physical health and overall spiritual care.
Firstly: in order to understand this topic, we need to be educated on what “spiritual health” actually is. Let’s look at what the general definition of spiritual health is, as the world understands it. According to reference.com, spiritual health is, “a highly-individualized concept that is measured by the amount of peace and harmony an individual experiences in his/her day-to-day life. Spiritual health fluctuates greatly by the amount of time an individual uses to develop personal spiritual values.”
Ok, so that is the definition according to the world’s standards. As a follower of Jesus Christ, and knowing what the Bible tells us, we know that this definition does not quantify the fullness of the “spiritual” meaning of spiritual health. As a Christian, spiritual health is the most important type of health that one can have. Jesus and the disciples of the Bible spoke frequently about spiritual health as it relates to a variety of topics. Let’s start with the first topic of nutrition and see what the Bible says about it:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” -1 Cor 10:31
“You satisfy me more than the richest of foods.” – Psalm 63:5
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit.” -Ephesians 5:18
In regards to nutrition (eating and drinking), the Bible is very clear that you may eat and drink until your heart’s content, however nothing should take precedence over God. God made us to eat to survive and wants us to enjoy our time here eating; even Jesus enjoyed dinner get-togethers with his friends and family. The warning here is to be sure that whatever you do let it be honoring to God. Honor God in your decisions to eat food and drink. I think the big thing to take away here in regards to nutrition is self-control; which is a fruit of the Spirit. God wants to be the biggest part of your life and wants you to regard Him at all times! That also means that God wants us to be the example of Christ to others; showing moderation and self-control at all times is His standard. The warning about wine or alcohol is to protect His children. It is harder to have self-control when you are drunk! God wants us to be filled with His Holy Spirit and that is impossible to do while under the influence. God never wants a second away from us and that is the reason for this preference of His for us. As the psalmist said, God satisfies more than even the best of delicacies. God wants us to demonstrate self-control in all areas of our lives, even down to the way we eat food.
So what does the Bible say about exercise?
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” – 1 Timothy 4:8
Ok, so relating to exercise, God says that it is of “some value.” That is certainly true when we know there are benefits from exercise such as, preventing certain diseases, controlling weight, improving mental health and strengthening muscles. With that being said, knowing that exercise is of “some value,” God is saying that it is not the most important thing to do with our time; especially when compared to pursuing godliness. (This next paragraph explains this in further detail).
So what does the bible say about overall health? Scripture clearly says that health relates to more than just the physical part of our beings; there are actually great health benefits for being spiritually happy and content. How are the spirit and the body connected you ask? The Bible says that they are directly related and in fact; dependent on each other. Here are some pieces of scripture from the book of Proverbs that highlight that. Let’s take a look:
“A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.”- 14:30
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”- 16:24
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”- 17:22
How can these spiritual attitudes affect our health in a positive way? Well the Bible tells us in these scriptures that “a peaceful heart,” “gracious words,” and a “cheerful heart” lead to a healthy body, can be referred to as medicine, and that they also provide a healing to our mortal bodies! What a wonderful thing! Our attitude about life can be affecting our health in the biggest way! This explains why a positive outlook can improve our health, improve our moods and even extend our lives! We can also speak life and health into the lives of others, improving their health; by having and sharing these spiritual attributes as well! (Through God’s strength and Holy Spirit)
Now, there is a negative side to these verses, and I believe that it is worth mentioning; that having the adverse attitude as stated above, will cause not only leave our spiritual health in detriment, but leave our physical health in very bad shape as well. Scripture clearly states what will bring us health and then states that the opposite will have the opposite effect. Things like “jealousy” or even something like a “crushed spirit” or feeling bad about one’s self/life can be like a “cancer” or cause spiritual/physical death. Our attitudes about ourselves, our lives, and most importantly, our attitudes about God, directly affect our health in ways unimaginable.
So how do we foster an environment of spiritual health in our own souls? According to the scripture, that means we have to spend more time with God and in His Word than working out (1 Timothy 4:8). It means that nothing should get in the way of us pursuing righteousness and godliness, and in that searching, and wanting and desiring, is a spring of life and health abundantly!
I will leave you with these Words of God to end this segment about spiritual health. Please leave any comments that you have below; I would LOVE to start a discussion and hear about your thoughts/advice/insight on this topic! Meditate on these today and everyday for a positive change in both your Spiritual and Physical health. Listen to God and let Him speak this into your heart:
“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart, for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.” – Proverbs 4:20-22
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:7-8
“But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”- Isaiah 40:31
“You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”- 1 Cor 6:20
God Bless you and may you find peace and health in His presence!
Lifted Vision Ministry 