bible study from AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2007
Health
A Key to Success!
PREPARED BY CHESTER R. ECHELBARGER
Consider: How one cares for the physical body at an early age can determine what kind of body he will be confined to when older. Will it be a body that ages well, with relatively few health issues? Or will it be one wracked with painful and debilitating diseases that require dramatic lifestyle adjustments?
Being young can sometimes deceive a young person into believing he or she will remain in that condition forever and avoid the effects of an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and excessive eating. Not noticing detrimental effects early on can cause one to feel he is immune to negative consequences. Couple that with unhealthy genetics (family health history) and you can have a recipe for a health disaster.
Do you realize that by the time an individual reaches the age of approximately 27 the body has reached the pinnacle of physical existence? From then on, the body begins to deteriorate. What you do before and after that age will certainly have bearing on the quality of life you will experience as the body ages.
Most young people expect to attain a certain level of success in life. In order to achieve that goal and to enjoy it, a person may need to live an appreciable lifespan. Yet, health issues early in life can inhibit this goal.
You have probably heard it said that you are what you eat, which is certainly true. Most will eat according to the palate rather than making healthy choices. For instance, do you shun fruits, vegetables and other foods that will contribute to good health in exchange for tasty prepackaged convenience foods?
The Bible is the handbook for life. It gives guidance and wise counsel for many of life’s issues. In matters of good health, it is certainly not silent. So let’s take time to look into God’s Word to see what is said about living a healthful life.
(1) Does our health matter to God? Is it His will for us to be in good health so we can enjoy life? III John 2.
The apostle John was inspired to write God’s sentiments concerning matters of health. God intends for people to be in vibrant health. What good is attaining success if it is overshadowed by never-ending health problems? God wants the best for us and knows that for our bodies to function optimally we need to be free from aches, pains and sickness.
(2) Is there a cause for every effect? Galatians 6:7.
This verse uses an interesting analogy of sowing seed. It illustrates the time span between some causes and effects. When you sow a seed it does not germinate overnight, but in due time it will evidence itself. Even if it is not immediate, an effect is still on its way!
(3) Did Solomon and Job make the point that our actions will affect us later? Proverbs 11:18; 22:8; Job 4:8.
This analogy also illustrates that whatever seed we sow in life will determine the resulting product. For instance, if we sow corn seeds, should we expect to harvest beans? The point is obvious. These verses clearly show the principle that your daily actions and decisions will have a major impact on your future. Of course, this applies to health as well. The human body is comprised of complex interrelated systems that require a certain balance of body chemistry (Psalm 139:14). To maintain that balance and keep the systems finely tuned, certain physical habits and natural laws must be practiced. One can abuse these systems only for so long before inevitable failure and breakdown result. The seemingly small and inconsequential daily decisions you make concerning diet, sleep and exercise will have a cumulative effect on your health and quality of life.
(4) Can you be assured that following all of God’s laws, including those pertaining to physical health, will result in happiness and a long, healthy life? Proverbs 3:1-2; 7-8; 4:20-22. Because God is the creator of the physical human body (Genesis 2:7), wouldn’t He know what is best for it?
God has revealed and prescribed certain guidelines in the Bible that, if followed, result in healthful living. Most would never consider consulting the Bible in matters of health. But being in synchronization with the laws of God goes a long way in helping to maintain a healthy body and mind, which ultimately can have a bearing on achieving a successful life.
(5) Some choose to follow God’s principles of health, while others disregard them. Take for instance the prophet Daniel. Even though he lived thousands of years ago, he was aware that there were health laws he should follow. Did Daniel give any consideration to the foods he ate? Daniel 1:8-16, particularly notice verses 12-15.
This account demonstrates that eating the proper foods will not only have an effect on the appearance of the body, but can also affect its performance. This is why we should strive to eat a balanced diet of a variety of healthful foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals and breads, and lean meats. A balanced diet consisting of these food groups will provide the essential elements the body requires for health, in addition to fortifying the immune system to ward off disease. We severely handicap our bodies when we eat foods that deprive it of essential elements. This is why we should limit or avoid foods that may be very tasty and fill the voids in our stomachs, but contain virtually no nutritional value. Such “junk foods” are laden with fats and sugars, such as potato chips, soft drinks, candies and pastries. These do nothing for the body; in fact, they actually impair it.
(6) What does God’s Word say about an unbridled approach to life? Does God expect us to apply moderation and balance in every area? I Corinthians 9:25.
Although this verse is speaking of a long distance marathon runner, it has application to anyone in endurance training. If they are to expect success, they must adhere to certain strict guidelines in their life. Notice the use of the word temperate. That means practicing moderation and not going to extremes or excess. Notice also that it says “in all things.” This would include the areas of eating and drinking.
(7) Does the Bible warn of consequences of drunkenness and eating to excess? Proverbs 23:20-21.
Obesity is another consideration that plagues many people. As we can see in matters of a healthy diet, it is not only what a person consumes, but how much as well. God gave us taste buds and created food for us to enjoy, as well as derive nourishment from (Psalm 103:5; 104:14-15). But He also wants us to be balanced and practice sensible moderation.
(8) Let’s look at other areas of good health. What about exercise? Does the Bible express any recommendations about exercise? I Timothy 4:8.
There are benefits to exercising. As the verse says, “It profits for a little while,” meaning in this physical life. However, it is secondary in importance to developing godly character, which will profit for eternity. Exercise will keep the body in a healthy condition for a longer period of time. An active lifestyle produces benefits! Being a couch potato, spending inordinate amounts of time in front of a television or computer, will take its toll. Not only is there potential for obesity, but your body will feel less energetic. By leading an active life, you will be better able to defend against disease, and you will have more energy as well!
(9) Have you ever heard the expression “Mind over matter”? Can the mind affect the well-being of the physical body? Does the Bible make any link between what the mind is conditioned to think, its state of being, and its bearing on our physical health? Proverbs 11:17; 14:30.
Many do not make this connection. One’s thoughts can actually determine whether one has a healthy body. Positive emotions, such as happiness, joy and contentment, tend to strengthen the body and promote healthy functioning of its systems. But negative emotions and thoughts, such as fear, anger, worry, resentment and hostility, tend to wear the body down. As a result, many suffer various stress-related ailments. As the Bible shows, possessing a healthy physical body is to a large degree dependent upon having a healthy mind built on peace and contentment.
(10) What kind of things does the Bible tell us to think about? Philippians 4:8. What kind of benefits can be expected from maintaining a positive outlook on life? Proverbs 15:13; 16:24; 17:22.
One way of assisting our bodies in securing good health is striving to maintain a positive outlook, looking on the bright side of obstacles that may confront us. This is often difficult to do, and few are able to achieve it.
Another grave mistake that can seriously jeopardize the health of the mind and body is ingesting foreign substances in the pursuit of pleasure or wanting to fit in with peers. Things such as smoking, experimenting with drugs, inhaling chemicals or even alcohol abuse are toxic. These pollute the body with substances it was not designed to metabolize and can permanently damage the organs. Many underestimate the highly addictive nature of such substances and succumb to a destructive lifestyle that destroys their health and can have a fatal ending.
(11) Another area that is important to good health is sufficient sleep. In a busy life, sleep can sometimes be crowded out. In some cases, worry or anxiety can deprive one of ample sleep. How does God’s Word say we can be assured to enjoy quality, sound sleep? Psalm 127:2; Proverbs 3:21-24; Ecclesiastes 5:12. Yet, on the other hand, we must be careful not to allow the body more sleep than is necessary. Why must we be careful of too much sleep? Proverbs 6:9-11; 24:33-34.
The proper amount of sleep is important for the body to recuperate and “recharge its batteries.” It needs this vital time to adequately revitalize its energy. Generally, the proper amount of sleep is seven to nine hours per day. But bear in mind that too much sleep is almost as bad as too little. Overdosing the body with too much sleep can make one lethargic, sluggish and unable to focus properly. This will hinder you from achieving your goals and stifle your ambition.
This study has taken a look at some basic keys to maintaining good health. How well you strive to diligently apply the principles learned here will in large part determine what kind of life you will have. Remember, your success in life is inseparable from good health!