SCRIPTURE
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 2 NIV
“Dear friend, I am praying that all is well with you and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is.” 3 John 2 Living Bible
“Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” 3 John 2 New Century Translation
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 2 NKJV
SPOTLIGHT
How is your health? When the Apostle John wrote his third letter, we get a little surprise. In the Scripture section above, you find 4 translations of the same verse. John had a concern not just for Gaius’ spiritual health, but he showed concern for his physical health as well. Just like Jesus, the Apostle was concerned with both. Jesus had not only preached repentance but was always healing the sick. John was not asking how his friend was feeling? That is a question that focuses on the moment. John wanted Gaius to be experiencing good physical health.
In addition to your spiritual health and well-being, you should have 2 concerns that you regularly attend to. The first is your physical health and the second is the physical health of your family and friends. You need to ask, “How is your physical condition and fitness? Are you living a healthy lifestyle? Are you fit and well?”
God does not ignore your physical well-being. Taking care of your body means you are taking care of the place where God resides. 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 states, “Do you not know that your bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
The Bible instructs you to be concerned about your health, so that you will be able to worship and serve God. Romans 12:1 states, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true and proper worship.” The goal should be to give God a living sacrifice that is in the form of a healthy, well-groomed body.
Your eating habits should bring glory to God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 states, “So whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” A well-balanced diet will mean you will avoid over indulging. Proverbs 20:1 states, “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” Ephesians 5:18 states, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit…” Do you eat healthy foods?
Whether you like it or not, physical exercise is not only good, but necessary in order to live a healthy life. 1 Timothy 4:8 states, “For physical training is of some value, but Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” You cannot use this verse to say that you had time to read the Bible and pray, but you did not have time to exercise. The fact is exercise will help you live a healthy life.
Are you enjoying good health? God wants you to be healthy. When Jesus Christ identified the Greatest Commandment for man to live by, it included your physical well-being. The living God said, “Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” [Mark 12:30.] Take good care of your mind and your strength so that you will be able to love God. The Apostle Paul prayed, “May God Himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together-spirit, soul and body, and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If He said it, He’ll do it!” [1 Thessalonians 5:23,24 The Message.] God wants you not only, holy but whole.
Do not ignore God’s Word about your physical health. God wants you to have a healthy body and strong bones. Proverbs 3:7,8 states, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Solomon wrote, “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.” [Proverbs 4:20-22.] Never forget that your health is a vast part of your wealth.
SOMETHING TO DO
Open your refrigerator and food cupboards to examine what foods you need to have less of and what foods you need to have more of. Make a list of foods you need to buy. Put a reminder on your cellphone. In the next few days, plan a well-balanced diet and buy the necessary foods at the grocery store. While you are doing this, remember how you are honoring God!
Remember that with every step you take toward healthy living, you are influencing others to follow!
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I need to change my lifestyle so that it reflects what You teach me in Your Word about healthy living. Give me insight and discipline, as I take steps to obey Your Word. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. AMEN!