How Might God Define 'Healthy'?

I'm honored to introduce Jessica to you. God led her to my blog many months ago and a new online friendship soon followed. She is a delight and has this way of always making me smile. I love how she explores the mind-body-spirit connection and I always leave her place learning something new.

 

Let's give a warm welcome to Jessica by leaving some comment love after you've read what God placed on her heart to share with us! 

 

Much love, Beth

I’m so excited to be guest blogging today – I've been a fan of Beth’s site for a while (and was lucky enough to have her post an article the other week!). I also run a Christian-based blog, Prayers and Apples, that explores the science behind the mind-body-spirit connection. My posts typically look at facts – things that can be written down and added up on paper. But today, I want to take a little bit of time to focus on the intangible. Today I want to talk about what the term “healthy” means to God.

Now, before I get started, it goes without saying that these are all just guesses. I in no way mean to speak for God – but rather, hope to simply provide some (nutritious!) food for thought.)

We spend so much of our time trying to be “healthy.” Dieting, exercising, drinking water, taking vitamins, taking medicine, taking the stairs… Does anybody else ever feel like a robot? What is this “healthy” end goal that we’re striving towards? Increased energy? But what about our body fat? Lowered blood pressure? But what about our sleep patterns? It’s like running a race with a million finish lines! There’s no way to win!

And yet, everybody still wants to be “healthy.”

As a personal trainer, one of the first things I learned was to set measurable goals. You have to know what you’re working towards in order to know when you get there. (Sorry, that sounded a bit like a riddle!) This quote from Alice in Wonderland explains it best:

For me, this is where God comes in.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; And He delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)

So where does God want us to go with this whole “health” thing? To me, the answer – like so many other answers found in the bible – is closer to Him.

But how can being “healthy” make us closer to God? And what does the term even mean?

Again, a review of scripture provides some clues:

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

In order to be closer to God, we must hear Him. We must be physically and mentally prepared to hear his Word and apply it to our lives. For:

“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

In this context, it becomes easier to define our goal. Being “healthy” doesn't mean being skinny. It doesn't mean being athletic, it doesn't mean being fit. “Optimal health”, when viewed in this light, means being in a physical and emotional condition to hear God’s word. It means being rested enough to reflect on the bible before heading into work. It means being stress-free enough to stay constantly mindful of His word throughout the day. Being “healthy” means having the energy to apply God’s principles and spread His love throughout your community. Being “healthy” means maintaining whatever lifestyle works best for you in allowing you to hear and receive God’s word.  

I hope these musings have been helpful and provided a little bit of food for thought! Working in the fitness industry, I know first hand how easy it tempting it can be to chase after the latest “healthy” goal. But I think it’s important to stay most focused on maintaining a clear head and heart so that we have enough energy to devote to God. =)

I want to thank Beth, again, for having me - and hope everybody has a blessed and happy day!.

Prayers and Apples
PrayersAndApples.com
Twitter: @PrayersNApples