Step 4: The Call to Health
Many scientific authorities recognize a strong connection between our spiritual practices and our health. Yet we often view our physical health as separate from our faith, trusting solely in our own willpower, determination and self-discipline to guide our health and lifestyle choices. We trust God to direct our lives, hear our problems and concerns, but ignore and abuse the temple God has blessed us with on a daily basis.
We live in a physical world. God uses our bodies to affect His purpose, our mouths to deliver the Good News, and our hands to help those in need. We are the physical tools God uses. Would you use a dull, rusted scalpel if you were a surgeon? A dull saw if you were building a house? No. Because you know that the quality of work done is affected by the physical readiness of the tool. Yet we don’t take care of the God-given health that we were blessed with.
We are called to live our lives as a spiritual example, alive and free. Our appearance does make an impression, whether we like it or not. If we are overweight and physically unfit, our example is not of someone under the kingship of God, but of someone out of control. If we struggle with simple life experiences because we are too tired, irritable, lethargic, or worried, how do we help those in need? We want people to see the spirit of God – that we are different, new and free.
The Bible is full of references that connect “health” with “peace” and “life.” Throughout, health is referred to as a gift from God. We should celebrate that gift, and cherish it. You are a child of God. God loves you and wants to give you peace. Help God to give you that gift.
The call to health is one from God directly to you. God has blessed you with a holy temple, and asks you to care for it. Examine your lifestyle, and examine your body. Are you being a good steward of the body God has given you?
Are you ready to accept the call to health?
OF 'WHO ARE YOU?'>>INSPIRATION CORNER
Research on Faith/Health Connections:
41% of Americans say they have been cured of an illness or had their condition significantly improved as a result of personal prayer or meditation. (Yankelovich Partners, 1998)
Those who attend religious services at least once a week have been shown to have stronger immune system function compared with less frequent attendees. (Koenig et al, 1997)
Patients are three times more likely to survive open-heart surgery if they depend on their religious faith. (Oxman et al, 1995)
At the time of discharge, hip-fracture patients who are religious walk longer distances and have less depression than non-religious patients. (Pressman et al, 1990)
A study of 2,679 baby boom generation participants found the rates of psychopathology, including depression and other mental illnesses, in frequent church attendees was half that among infrequent attendees. (Koenig, 1994)
In a study of 400 men, a strong religious commitment was found to cut high blood pressure risks, even among men who smoked. (Larson, Koenig, Kaplan et al, 1989)