In 3 John 1:2, we see that God is interested in our whole experience: “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.”
Scripture breaks down the parts in Jesus’ life, that made His “sum” so powerful: Luke 2:52: “…Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
The four parts are: the mind (wisdom/learning), health (stature), a relationship with God (in favor with God), and our relationship with others (man). If we wish to be wholesomely healthy, shouldn’t we need to address all four of these areas?
In 3 John 1:2, we see that God is interested in our whole experience: “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.”
So, as you think about health, reflect on these four areas of your life:
Wisdom. Renown mathematician Neelakantha Bhanu wrote: “To improve your brain health, you need proper nutrition, physical fitness, and mental exercise to develop and maintain cognitive health by increasing blood flow to the brain.” Ask God to help you apply what you learn to the life He has given you. This is wisdom.
Stature. Take time to become familiar with your body, and learn how to better take care of it. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul wrote: “Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.” We are to live for God’s glory, and this includes how we take care of our health, or bodies. In I Corinthians 6:19, he also wrote: “What? Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?” He then follows with this amazing statement, in verse 20: “For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
In favor with God. How is your relationship with your Creator? Are you daily in vital connection with Him through Bible study and prayer? Ellen White, in the powerful little book, Steps to Christ, wrote: “…In order to have spiritual life and energy, we must have actual relationship with our heavenly Father. Our minds may be drawn out toward Him; we may meditate upon His works, His mercies, His blessings; but this is not, in the fullest sense, communing with God, we must have something to say to Him concerning our actual life.” (93.1)
In favor with man. Our relationship with others is important. “People who have healthy relationships are more likely to feel happier and satisfied with their lives. They are less likely to have physical and mental health problems. Healthy relationships can: increase your sense of worth and belonging and help you feel less alone,” according to EHealthDirect Australia.
So, let’s be more like Christ, and live a truly healthy, meaningful, and awesome life, for God’s glory.
Lee Whitman is heath director for Indiana Conference and pastors in La Porte and Michigan City.
Healthdirect article: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/building-and-maintaining-healthy-relationships.
