Of personal interest to most people, is the issue of their health and well being. Our intrinsic feelings of joy and happiness seem somehow, to be linked and intertwined with how well we feel. It’s become something of a cliché that without our health we have nothing. Therefore, it would appear sensible to me that a study of this issue from a Christian perspective is well warranted.

What is Health? To some, it is simply a reflection of the state of their physical body; is it well, free from pain, all in one piece, but this interpretation only encompasses a portion of what we mean by the term Health. Just as important as the physical, is the mental and for me, the spiritual health of an individual. Total health should include the body, the mind and the spirit, for are we not a tri-partite creation, are we not equally dependant on these three aspects of our lives, so should we not incorporate them into our desire to live a healthy life?

There has been much published and preached on the topic of Healing, so I won’t attempt to address that here in any great depth. Rather, I intend to focus more on the issue of health and the Christian life. Is leading a Christian life healthy, and if so why? What is the Bible’s message on healthy living? These are just two of the questions I hope to answer in this study.

Let’s begin with two short, but significant passages of scripture.

(John 10:10KJV)  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

(2 Cor 1:19KJV)  For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.

Now, today in everyday usage we don’t make much difference between ‘a’ and ‘the’. In the Bible, however, that is not the case. One must always take careful note of their use. In John chapter 10 and verse 10, the thief is general, not specific. That basically means the term can be applied to a number of situations, rather than just a specific one. What are the ‘qualities’ of a thief?

A thief we are told comes to steal, kill and destroy. Therefore, within reason, anything which does those actions is covered by the term ‘thief’. Sickness and ill health attempt to steal your joy and happiness, destroy aspects of your life and eventually kill you. They are not from God. In fact, the passage from 2 Corinthians tells us quite clearly that God is about the YES, not the NO. He is about the positive, not the negative.

It’s always amazed me how many people hold the belief that the Bible is full of ‘Shall Not’s’ rather than ‘Shall’s’. People seem to see God as someone out to spoil all fun and prevent us from doing anything even remotely enjoyable. What nonsense!! I did a quick search to compare how many times the Bible uses Shall and Shall Not. “Thou shall not” appears 240 times. “Thou shall” (without a NOT) 1010 times. Our God is definitely a God of the YES!! He said YES and spoke the world into being and He has been saying YES ever since.

The world around us, however, seems to focus primarily on the NO. It’s a very negative world we live in isn’t it? We are bombarded with all the things we can’t or shouldn’t do. We can’t open a newspaper, or listen to the news on TV and radio without hearing about despair and suffering. The world doesn’t have answers, only more questions. Where then are the answers to be found?

I believe, we find these answers in the Bible. Let’s very briefly consider several verses from both the Old and New Testaments which touch on this topic. Let me stress that these are only a few of the relevant scriptures.

(Psa 42:11 KJV)  Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

I don’t want to get bogged down in detail here, but I think it’s worth pausing to clarify that the word translated ‘soul’ here is referring in part to feelings and emotions which are often associated with the mind and mental health. In modern terms, we might use the expression ‘depressed’ rather than ‘cast down.

 (Psa 67:2 KJV)  That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.

The word translated HEALTH here, means far more than just physical health. It’s the same Hebrew word that is also translated deliverance and salvation. Even here in the OT, we see a link between salvation and good health.

(Prov 3:5 KJV)  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

(Prov 3:6 KJV)  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

(Prov 3:7 KJV)  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

(Prov 3:8 KJV)  It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Note first how each of the commands comes as a series of three. Three stands for that which is solid, real, substantial and complete; it denotes Divine perfection, as in the Godhead. I could do an entire message on the importance of the number three in the Bible, but time won’t allow it now. What is important here, is that after each of the three commands, comes a promise. That promise is dependant on obedience to the commands.

(Prov 4:20KJV)  My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

(Prov 4:21KJV)  Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

(Prov 4:22KJV)  For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Again, note the structure of three commands and a promise. Note too the echo of the often uttered words of Jesus; He who has an ear, let him hear.

Two more things to consider. The Bible is the Word of God. These commands come from the Bible, so keeping and following them as instructed, will produce Health as is promised in verse 22.

Secondly, Jesus is the ‘Word made Flesh’. When we become a Christian, we ask Him into our Heart which lines up with the command of verse 21,  keep them in the midst of thine heart. Therefore, when we become a Christian, when we accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we can claim the promise of verse 22 and have ‘health to all our flesh’. A Christian life, is a healthy life.

 (Prov 13:17KJV)  A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

It is interesting to note that as Christians, we are called to be Ambassadors for Christ. What is an ambassador? Simply put, an official representative. In other words, we as Christians are meant to represent Christ on earth to those who don’t know Him. We are given His power and authority, to act as He would and on His behalf. How well are we doing?

 (Acts 27:34 KJV)  Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

Now, the Greek word soteria here translated health, is the equivalent word to the one we considered from the OT. It too means salvation and deliverance. Are we seeing a theme here? The Bible says that the Word is meat and drink for us.

(3 John 1:2 KJV)  Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

God wants us to prosper and be in good health. It’s not my intention to focus on prosperity here, but if you trace back the meaning of the word, it has nothing to do with becoming materially wealthy or rich. It’s more along the lines of doing what you do well and being successful in that.

How up to date is the Bible? Well, lately medical people, concerned about the growing problem of Heart disease and similar conditions, have been advocating people drink one or two glasses of Red wine each day with a meal. In fact, their studies have shown that people who drink a small amount, are actually much healthier than those who drink no alcohol at all. How does this tie in with the Bible? Consider this well known passage.

(1 Tim 5:23KJV)  Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

The Great designer of the universe, knew back then what medical science has only just realised. God has always been in control and in His Word we will find the keys to a healthy life.

Let’s consider this topic from a different perspective. Most people would admit they want to lead a better, fuller more abundant life and as we have already seen, that’s what Jesus said he came to give us. The question I want to ask, is this: better, fuller, more abundant than what?

The point, is not to answer the question with specifics, but to realise that once we ask such a question, we are dealing with the issue of Standards. What are they? In simple terms, standards are something outside of ourselves, that we measure our lives against. Does this not in its deepest sense speak of religion? In nearly every society, aren’t the standards they uphold based in their belief system, their religion? I could take you on a trip through Ancient societies, ancient religions, and through much of the modern world to illustrate the truth of this statement, but I haven’t the time. Suffice to say, examine the basis of your own society’s standards and you’ll quickly come to realise that no matter what people may wish to claim, they are based solidly on the Bible. Why? Because anything based on the Bible works!! It’s God’s design document for the world and for society.

Let me elaborate. We live in a universe based on moral consequence; a world and a society based on moral consequence. Where does this come from, if not from the God of our Universe? His principles are inherent in it and in ourselves. The universe runs best because it can do nothing but follow those principles. We run best when we do likewise. The Christian way is written into the very structure of the universe.

If God’s Way is written into the very structure of the Universe and remember, Jesus said I am the Way (John 14:6), then it is written into the very fibres of our being, into our nerves, tissues and cells. So if we offend against the laws of hygiene and good health, those laws aren’t broken, instead they break us. If we jump off a tall building, we don’t break the law of gravity, it breaks us!! The Bible says either we fall on the Rock Christ Jesus, or it will fall on us. What do we want, good health and abundant living with God, or the broken pieces of our lives patched together by modern psychobabble?

Once again, there’s a Biblical Principle at work here; it’s called Reaping and Sowing. Let’s examine briefly just a few verses on this issue.

(Job 4:8 KJV)  Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.

This is probably the earliest mention in scripture of the principle and uses a threefold image. Usually, we focus primarily of the concept of sowing and reaping and this verse clearly illustrates that. However, it also reminds us of the prior need to plough. No matter what we do, we first need to prepare. Consider for a moment the famous parable of the sower.

(Mat 13:3 KJV)  And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

(Mat 13:4 KJV)  And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

(Mat 13:5 KJV)  Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

(Mat 13:6 KJV)  And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

(Mat 13:7 KJV)  And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

(Mat 13:8 KJV)  But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

(Mat 13:9 KJV)  Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Without going into great detail at this time, note one thing. Success only came from the seeds sown into ‘good ground’. This can be many things, but first and foremost, for the ground to be good it had to have been prepared for the seed; it had to have been ploughed. In all we do, let’s keep that thought in our minds. Preparation is the key. If you want to reap success, if you want good health, then first you need to do some ploughing, some preparation. This can take many forms, depending on individual situations, so it’s outside the scope of this topic. However, whatever action you plan to take, remember to plan carefully first. Plough your field, whatever it may be. There are no ‘fast fixes’, no ‘magic pill’ that will quickly cure all ills. It will take hard work and effort, especially in the area of mental health. It will also take persistence.

(Prov 22:8 KJV)  He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

The Hebrew word here translated ‘vanity’, is a major Hebrew word for Sin. Among others it can mean: vanity, nothingness, falseness, idolatry, sorrow, distress and iniquity. It focuses on planning and expressing deception and points mainly to the consequences of sin. It emphasises the emptiness that comes from idolatry; living without God in your life.

(Eccl 11:4 KJV)  He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

Quite simply put, if you don’t work, you won’t eat. Unless you put in the necessary effort, you won’t get the results you want. Good health takes time and effort.

(Hosea 10:12KJV)  Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

This wonderful verse merely echoes  the thoughts and ideas of the preceding verses. Note again how it too reinforces the concept of preparation, of ploughing the fallow ground. I like the promise here as well. We are to do this till He comes again, at which time He will rain His righteousness upon us.

(2 Cor 9:6 KJV)  But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

Clear cut and simple. And finally, everything is sown up in the best known verse:

(Gal 6:7 KJV)  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

This principle of sowing and reaping, is at work in the universe, in the world and in our daily lives. You can’t escape it, just as you can’t escape God. Isn’t it better to harness God’s principles to our lives, than to fight and struggle against them in a war we cannot win. When we surrender to God and Rest in His completed work, then He is at work within us, both to Will and to Do. The Good News, is that His Will includes good health. Yes, we’ll still get sick, but we’ll find new strength and purpose to fight through that and lead the abundant life we have been promised. After all, God is not a man that He should lie!!

Ask any person you meet, and they will tell you they want a good life. Why people have been searching for a good life and happiness from the dawn of time. The early Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle wrote almost exclusively about this one thing, but never found the answer. They came close, but there was never a total answer. Many have turned to various religions seeking enlightenment, but most came away disappointed. Either there was no answer offered, or the rules and restrictions were so severe that they decided it was not worth the effort.

Where then does the answer lie? Read again the second half of John 10:10.

 I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

The answer is not in a philosophy, not in a religion, but in a person. He brings the great Divine Yes, He brings the abundant life that we are all desiring. If Christianity is about both a person and a way of living, for it was Christ who said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” then for it to be an abundant life, it must also needs be a healthy life. Is Christianity about good health? While the Christian Gospel is one of moderation, when it comes to health, the answer according to Second Corinthians must certainly be YES!!

There may be no ‘fast fix’, we may have to put in a great deal of hard work and effort, but there is an enduring promise that in times of need, His strength can become Our strength.

(2 Cor 12:9 KJV)  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

(2 Cor 12:10KJV)  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Let me conclude with one final scripture and thought. The Bible says:

(Prov 17:22KJV)  A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

A movie I really enjoy is ‘Patch Adams’. The message of that film about a doctor with revolutionary ideas on the effective treatment of patients, is the same one found in the Book of Proverbs. Laughter is wonderful medicine. People who try to fill their lives and the lives of others with laughter and happiness, often experience better health and live longer than those who don’t. It’s not a magic formula and there are always exceptions, but it is a principle of God, so it works.

As Christians, we have Jesus; we should have the Joy of the Lord in our hearts. After all, He said, ‘My Joy I leave you.’ With His joy in our hearts, shining forth to others, we should be living examples of this message. Our merry hearts should do good like a medicine, not only for ourselves, but for others as well.

Does that mean we should have perfect health? Of course not. We suffer the same trials and  tribulations He did. Sickness comes to all, but He can either bring us healing, or the strength to go through it, with Him as we partake in a small way in His suffering for us. Either way, His Way is a way of health. So, have a merry heart and let your spirit so shine forth that at the very least, this day you touch someone else’s life for good. Be good medicine to an ailing world!!