Introduction
Everybody knows the saying “Health is Wealth” but is often taken for granted until they lose it. Our health affect what we do, how we think, and how we feel. Hence, with the ever-increasing of chronic diseases such as heart problems, obesity, diabetes, and other maladies it is not surprising that many people are searching for guidance on health and wellness. The Holy Bible teaches us about healthy living in so many ways.
Today millions of people are spending money on diets, medicines, and gyms to stay fit, thus the quest for health has become an end in itself– making people buy the right food, maintain their bodies, adopting lifestyles that are healthy.
Bible is not a book about health and nutrition but it touches on those topics about health, also the limits of it, and our need for a healer- Jesus Christ.
For Healthy living, the Bible mentioned three things– physical, mental, and Spiritual, which we will learn about it through this article.
Bible and physical health
The Bible teaches us how we should treat our bodies in a way that God intends. The Bible is a great place to learn about how to take care of ourselves. The book of Proverbs 3:1-2, 8 says:
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity…This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones”.
God is able to guide us through the word in the Bible in finding the nourishment needed by our body to be living healthy. When we obey His instructions and commands, we will our health will always thrive.
Exercise and eating habits
God gave us our human bodies for a different reason and among them, one major reason is He wants us to take care of them. How? By providing it with food that is nourishing and getting ample exercise. To neglect or abuse our bodies will be considered a sin. We can see from the scripture passage,
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 the Apostle Paul wrote: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you?…Therefore honor God with your body”. God lives within us, so we should treat the body we are like a holy temple.
In the Old Testament, God give instructions of what to eat and not to eat– how alcohol affects our bodies and minds negatively, to eat fruits and vegetables, which meat to eat. We can know from the bible, i.e.:
“Speak to the people . . . Whatever parts the hoof and is cloven-footed and chews the cud, among the animals, you may eat. Nevertheless, among those that chew the cud or part the hoof, you shall not eat these: The camel, because it chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you. . . chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you.”
Leviticus 11: 1-47
“Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.”)
Genesis 1:29
God being our creator knew from the very beginning, even before the existed of a nutritionists, what we needed to be healthy.
Today humans are becoming too obsessed with their physical health to the point where they begin to idolize it. There is a way to balance the different aspects of our life in a way that glorifies God.
“Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all thing . . . present life and the life to come”
1 Timothy 4:8
Sickness and disease
Sickness and disease is a part a normal human life. Having being said that it can be cured. God is a wonder miracle working God which we can see throughout the scripture passage and He even give ways to cure it.
- Exodus 15:26 says: “If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you”. Ancient Egyptians suffered from so many diseases because they did not understand the health principles God gave to Moses.
- God can cure any disease. It can be supernaturally or through medicines. Yes, even medicines are given to man by God, How is that possible? Well, God is all-knowing when it comes to our health, and therefore all of the discoveries we have in modern day originate from Him. Because of the knowledge given to us by God, we now are able to fight off germs, bacteria, viruses and the like is because of His knowledge.
Bible and mental health
Mental health is linked to both the body and the spirit. The individual’s body and mind are both factors of a person’s mental health. If a person’s mind and body are having difficulties, a person’s mental state will suffer as well. Elijah was a prophet who struggled with mental issues during a difficult time in his life.
And we as Christian are not supposed to pass judgments but be a care providers whenever a person is going through mental problems. Having healthy thoughts in life is a step toward retaining good mental health.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”.
Philippians 4:8
Anxiety
The Bible does specifically talk about anxiety as (1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”). Here God tells us to give all of our worries, cares, and concerns to Him. For it is through Jesus we will receive peace. Whenever you are struggling with anxiety or fear, pray to God.
“Do not be anxious about anything. . . , by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
Depression
Depression can be caused due to genetics, internal conflicts, or a person’s environment. However, God can cure you from it. He walks alongside us as we struggle with depression. Even Bible figure David went through a time of depression.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4
Eating food disorder
Our bodies are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). God does not want anyone to destroy their body by restricting food, purging food, or over-exercising. We are made in God’s Image (Genesis 1:27) and we are each fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-16). Eating disorders can be triggered by the world we live in but be mindful that this will hamper your health.
Bible and spiritual health
Our body is interconnected with our spiritual health and mind, therefore if you want your spiritual health to thrive keep your body healthy–by eating proper food, keep your body and mind hygiene, and resting your body. From the Bible–
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship…, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:1-2
- Approach life with joy and good towards others will ensure you good spiritual health.
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Proverbs 17:22
- And the utmost importance for spiritual health is in the seeking and willingness to accept God in your present life.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33
Thus, the Bible instructs us to take care of our bodies, not overindulge in food or drink, and seek spiritual health by being kind to others and praying.
Your nutritionist, your gym instructors, your doctor, or other professionals can give you the best possible advice, remedies, and strategies for healthy living, but there is no perfect advice like the Bible that will give guidance. Let God enlighten your body, mind, and spirit and desire to love and respond to his commands.
