Health is the most valuable asset we have.   Without it we cannot function nor live out our purpose as God has planned for our lives.  It doesn't matter how much material wealth you may have, without your health you cannot enjoy it.  Generally when we talk about health, most people think only of the absence of disease, i.e., cancer, diabetes, and other serious health problems such as heart attacks and stroke. 

The word health is derived from an old English word that means 'whole'.  With this in mind, one should think that health would include all those things that make the person 'whole.'  Would you not agree that this means more than just the absence of disease?

While I am not a trained theologian, but a student of the bible, I am familiar with many of its precepts and principles.  Health, whether you realize it our not, is a major topic in the bible.  It is viewed primarily as the restoration and strengthening of our personal relationship with God.  Additionally, it is depicted as a wholesome mind, body and spiritual lifestyle that focuses on pursuing healthy relationships.  The bible has timeless principles of health that have been supported by modern day scientific research.  I will share a few of the aspects I believe will help you in better understand, and prayerfully adopt a Christ-centered approach toward your physical and spiritual well-being.

First let us establish exactly what I mean when I say a 'Christ-centered approach'...it means you are governed by the spiritual laws of God.  Thus, our faith in the Word is key to becoming a wholly healthy person.  In the book of John, Jesus tells us if we confess Him, He will give us life in all its fullness.

I hope you did not skim over something that I just said that it very important...faith in the Word.  It is easy to say you are a Christian, and believe the Word of God, but do you really believe and depend on your faith (with work) to result in a full life of abundance?

God made provisions for the spirit and the flesh.  His ways are really quite simple.  It is us who make everything complex.  His ways are perfectly balanced.  Self-care is what I consider to be the cornerstone to attain and/or maintain a healthy balance in the areas of physical and spiritual health.

Do you have respect, love and appreciation for the body God gave you, no matter the shape it is in at this very moment'  You must value the temple God has given you and appreciate the fact that the Holy Spirit of God dwells in, and works through your wonderful body. Take a long and honest look at how you treat it.  To attain optimal physical and spiritual health, balance is the key.  In Ecclesiastes 7, we are told that 'A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it.'

When you begin to take care of your body and do the right thing, 'Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 31:21)

Each day, say to yourself and believe "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalms 139:14).  I urge you to consider your body as "a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God." (Romans 12:1)

The measure of our faith should be a determinate of how healthy we are, both physically and spiritually.  It should lead us to a preventative way of living that promotes a good wholesome Christian lifestyle.

So, please ponder, with deep consideration, that if you have truly given your life to Christ and are not following the wiles of man, you have the power to live a Christ-centered life.  God has given each of us a spirit of power, love and self-discipline (2 Tim 1:7), the choice is yours to make!  Be blessed...and be a blessing to others!!!