Focus on Health part 1

Focus on Health

Part 1 

Pastoral counselors, ministers, teachers and many other Christians promote the idea of the whole person, spirit, soul and body.  While most would agree that each area is important and should be brought into a state of good health, few actually focus on how to bring that health into all three areas.  This was the case in my ministry for many years.  I ministered primarily to the spirit and soul, but had very little understanding of how to address physical health.

Over the last several years, this has been an area of significant growth for me personally and as a minister.  This first hurtle that I found myself needing to overcome was the idea that ministers could not or should not discuss a person’s physical health and wellbeing.  As I began challenging this assumption that had crept in from an unidentifiable source the realization came as to how faulty it actually was.  Nowhere in the Bible does it give instructions to anyone that they should not discuss practical health issues.  In fact, just the opposite is true.  Pastors, counselors and other ministers of the gospel should be addressing health issues.

Do yourself and those around you a favor.  As you read the Scripture during devotions, study or sermon preparation, take into consideration how many health related things come up.  As you notice them ask yourself a simple question, “is God concerned about how we care for the physical body?”  I believe the answer will be a resounding yes.  God is concerned about how we care for the physical body.  Therefore, as ministers we should not neglect to learn and teach about caring for the physical being.

Let me prime your thinking about God’s opinion of how we treat the body with the following verses. 

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable.  All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.  Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food; but God will do away with both of them.  Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord is for the body.”  1 Cor. 6:12-13 

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?  For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God with your body.”  1 Cor. 6:19-20

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.”  Eph. 5:18.

“I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”  Rom. 12:1

While these verses can all be applied to spiritual principles, we should not overlook the very practical impact of how we care for God’s temple.  Is the Lord pleased when we deny the body the exercise it needs, eat junk food or simply over eat?  Is He glorified through our bodies when we drink alcohol, when we reach for the second 32 oz soda or other liquid that is meant to jolt the body with high doses of sugar and caffeine?  Is He pleased when we are overweight, underweight, lack nutrition and are bound by physical diseases as a result?  The question is simply this, “is God glorified by how you are caring for His temple?”

Ok, I realize that this type of message can be very unwelcome and even offensive to some.  I was offended myself at one point, but mainly because I just wasn’t taking care of my body.  However, I am thankful to those people who had enough concern to confront me about it.  My understanding, physical health and ministry have improved as a result. 

Watch for a series of articles devoted to physical health in the upcoming E-Newsletters. 

We also have a 90-day health challenge as part of the new Temple Maintenance Counseling model.  If you would like further information on these just let me know.

Blessings,