God’s Definition of Health

Greetings all. I apologize for missing the last two Sunday sermons. Life happens and it certainly did. On December 31, 2023, I had an exact replication of my heart attack symptoms and ended up spending 3 days in ICU. Much has happened since then, but most importantly I came to understand what health is, what it meant/means to me, and how that differs from God’s definition of health.

I thought that eating healthy foods, exercise, mental stimulation, Spiritual connection with God and a perfect body weight would equal a healthy body and mind. I was wrong. It is EXTREMELY helpful to do all the so-called right things, but life holds no guarantees, No guarantee of life even one minute from now, and no guarantee that living the commonly accepted “healthy” life will result in physical health. My current situation got me thinking about health and what it actually is, how it is achieved, and what God’s perspective is on a subject that humans are obsessed with...

Years ago I held a three-day woman’s retreat on Physical/Mental/Spiritual Health. It was enlightening and a joy to teach. That was over a decade ago, but the precepts stuck with me and I implemented many in my life. However, health is not just following one plan but has many intersecting parts that make the whole. Usually, following certain practices, habits, and protocols results in being healthy and energetic, but ultimately we ALL decline and eventually leave this place for one much better. Embracing these inevitable changes, while understanding God’s definition of health is valuable in living a peaceful life of purpose, success, and happiness. Most of it has to do with your state of MIND and HEART rather than your physical habits although God states our body is His temple and He expects us to treat ourselves accordingly. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are 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.”)

Our perception of health is often what we see in the mirror. If we look fit, we think we are fit. It also includes lifestyle and habits, which can also be deceiving. I am living proof you can (mostly) abstain from tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, fat, salt, and sugar, yet still suffer from symptoms related to an unhealthy lifestyle. Non-smokers get lung cancer and I recently had a non-drinking/non-smoking, 33-year-old friend who was a “health nut” die from pancreatic cancer.

Even if you have a life dedicated to God and Spiritual wellness, your body can be plagued with seemingly unfair ailments. If we truly understand God is omnipotent, (all-powerful) then we understand life isn’t always fair HOWEVER, God is far more concerned with the afterlife (eternal life with Him) than your current state of affairs.

After all, life on earth will end and prior to that most of us will experience degeneration of our bodies. (Proverbs 5:11 “At the end of your life you will groan when your flesh and body are spent.”) We will all be “used up” and if we don’t embrace God’s definition of health and the inevitability of His plan for humankind, we could end up resentful and pitiful. Even the most prolific disciples of God leave this earth with some of the worst maladies known to humankind. Does this mean God has forsaken us? No, even as Jesus hung on the cross, in agonizing pain, suffering one of the most inhumane and unfair deaths, God held His hand as He completed the PLAN God had for His earthly life. Our fate may be different, but the pain and suffering can be unconscionable if we allow ourselves to look at health from an earthly, rather than heavenly perspective.

1 Timothy - 4:8 “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.”

Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Exodus 15:26 – “He said, “If you listen carefully to 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.” (Your suffering will be limited)

Proverbs 14:30 – “A tranquil heart is life to the body, but passion (anger) is rottenness to the bones.”

Proverbs 15:1 – “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.” (Be with Him always, trusting He is with you and hears your cries)

Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Heavenly treasures are those that we do in kindness and for humanity; not those selfish things we do to please our own greedy/needy desires)

As you review the scriptures I have provided for your reading pleasure, you will note that God’s perspective of health has very little to do with the human body (which is THE aspect of being human that most humans are OBSESSED with…), but rather He is concerned with your heart, your kindness, and righteousness; your INTENT! He mentions that anger rots your bones. What is the main structure that holds up your body? Your bones. When God speaks this way, He is telling you an angry person is literally “rotting” the life right out from within him or herself! God also mentions a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed heart damages the bones. In other words, the very structure of your being lies in the thoughts, actions, and intent of your heart! If you wallow in self-pity or fear, you will likely destroy yourself!

1 Timothy 4:8 truly says it all. Physical wellness is a help, but godliness is the true measure and value of each man. Love, compassion, generosity, and forgiveness are fruits of God that help us live a good life on earth and prepare us for our eternal life. The lack of those traits in your heart and not freely/happily exhibited to mankind is an abomination to God! (Proverbs 15:1 above) Yes, we can often witness people with wicked and evil intentions/actions giving to God, but He is not fooled for God knows our hearts… (Luke 16:15)

I tell you all this to get you to refocus and re-evaluate your priorities. I also want you to know illness is NOT a punishment, but a result of the sin of pride exhibited by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. We are all going to degenerate (some faster or more painful than others), but the only guarantee in life is that life as you know it on earth will end. Understanding God’s definition of health helps us focus on our spiritual growth, heart, thoughts, and actions instead of the physical aspects of our bodies. That is not to say we are supposed to ignore the “temple of God” and mistreat this beautiful, external covering for our bones and soul, but looking good to ourselves in the mirror is not necessarily the image God sees when He looks at you!

If you enjoyed this sermon check out our others here or if you have questions please send us a message.

Love, hugs, and blessings, Lisa ><>