Spiritual Perspective

 

 

Our spiritual health is far more important than our physical health, but the two are connected.  These Health and Healing Scriptures describe this.  Throughout the Bible it is made clear that obedience to God’s Word brings health and healing, while disobedience may bring judgements upon us; that sometimes may extend into our physical health.  1 Corinthians 11:31 tells us, however; how we may avoid this divine chastening; For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 

To judge ourselves we are to allow God to guide this self-examination.  Are we honestly open to the idea of at least moving in the direction of a spirit led life; or are we actively straddling the fence and/or fooling ourselves as to our intentions?  Are we really open to identifying the demons that may exist in our innermost being, and having them uprooted and chased away; or are they allowed to remain in place, well covered with excuses and justifications?

As Christians we understand that we will have an ongoing battle against our flesh, but in many instances professional counseling and books like Homecoming-Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child can help us to realize how our upbringing, certain unmet childhood needs, etc..., have left many of us especially vulnerable to satan's attacks, and have allowed various unclean spirits to gain a firm grasp on us. Through Christ we can uproot the distortional thinking that lies at the core of our stress, and replace it with God's Truth; then experience the healing power of forgiveness, joy, peace, and love.

Another spiritual connection that is pretty easy to understand, is the physical damage done by the stress of deadly emotions that often accompany ungodliness; anger, hostility, bitterness, unforgiveness, etc…  Through our life in Christ we can, however; uncover and address the spiritual issues that lie at the roots of these emotions.  We can combat; the greed and unwillingness to be content with the things of God that lead to a lifestyle based on chasing a dollar, the self-centeredness that leads us toward harmful stress as we become angry and frustrated with those that we feel don't meet our needs and/or see things our way, the unforgiveness that robs us of our joy and allows animosity to remain within us, and the pride and self-esteem issues that have us living in fear and prevent many of us from taking an honest look at ourselves!  In addition we should ask, are we demonstrating a lack of regard for the temple (body), that allows us to mistreat it with poor eating practices, the ingestion of harmful substances, etc…?

All illnesses are not judgements from God, but it behooves all of us, to do a regular self-examination of the state of our spiritual health; using the Bible as a mirror. God is sovereign, and may heal any of us, whether we are right with Him or not; so we are not to claim a sickness as our deserved punishment, and give up hope. We always are able to lay our cares at God's doorstep, and repent of our sins. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye shall be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:15,16) 

God does not require perfection, but he does require a commitment from us.  We are to believe in the redemptive work of Jesus, surrender our will, and join God's team.  We also may pray and otherwise try to position ourselves for being supernaturally healed by God.  The books How to Heal the Sick, and Christ the Healer also teach in this area.

A life in Christ, and a disciplined approach to health and wellness, still does not guarantee perfect health.  In my opinion, however, being; serious about "our walk", thankful for the health we're blessed with, and being committed to taking care of it, is a good start.

Changing patterns of thinking and behavior is most often not quick or easy.  Our body may even demonstrate cravings and withdrawal symptoms as we try to drastically lessen or eliminate certain bad habits and practices, however; through Christ all things are possible!  Failures and "set backs" can become stepping stones, if we're persistent in making quality efforts to do what is right.  Just as God allowed us to change our minds and be delivered from other unsavory things, we can be saved from the self-destructive and self-handicapping behaviors that come against our health.   

 

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