The Pursuit of Health

by Tim Howard

I don’t know anyone who enjoys being sick but it happens to all of us.

It happens in our physical bodies – It can happen in our minds – It can happen in our emotional being and it can happen in our relationships with each other.

The word health means: "A state of complete physical, mental, and social well being” World Health Organization.  The origin of this word can be traced back to the word: ‘Whole.’

If you have healthy relationships happening, you are being encouraged, and edified because healthy relationships make people whole. True, vibrant and healthy love is a healing love. It helps people in their journey and assists them to find a place of wholeness. Someone said: “Healthy people give rise to healthy people” and “Hurt people – Hurt people.” 

We often take our physical health for granted. As I look back over 6 plus decades I recognize I’ve never had a major surgery and have only visited the doctor periodically. I seem to have a utilitarian body! It may not look all that great but it keeps on ticking and runs like the energizer bunny. When sickness hits and I lose my strength, however, I awaken to a new appreciation and gratitude for a healthy life.

The Bible reveals God as our Healer. In it we find principles on nutrition and if the advice is followed, a person will be led to a healthy style of living that keeps him or her strong and vibrant. God doesn’t eliminate sickness from our human experience but He does have compassion and wants to help us recover our health when it’s lost.

High on God’s agenda is Emotional health, mental health and spiritual health as well as the physical arena. Throughout the Bible you will discover words that provide directions to maintaining a healthy spirit, soul and mind. Here are a few.

1. Make sure you are connected to people in pursuit of health. The individuals you hang with – will largely influence the choices you make and the person you become. No one remains healthy by isolating and removing themselves from others or from connecting with people who have the same shortcomings as themselves.

Finding a healthy church family can assist you greatly. They come in all sizes but don’t be fooled! It’s not the size that’s important - it’s the balanced diet being offered. Bigger is not always better and smaller is not always better. Better is better! I don’t remember who originally said that but it is very true.

2. When you connect with others make every effort to walk in unity. This unity will require a give and take lifestyle. You can’t just think about yourself; you must consider what’s best for the whole. If you follow the Apostle Paul’s advice: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” The door to unity will open a little wider and a healthy atmosphere will be created.

 3 The Apostle Paul says: each person is given different gifts, talents, abilities, perspectives, insights, tastes and those differences are beneficial to the ongoing health of any business, group endeavor, organization, or church family.

Use your gifts and fulfill your responsibilities. Everyone doesn’t need to do everything but everyone does need to do something. Do what you are called to do. Do your part! Don’t let others pull your weight. If exercise is good for physical health then fulfilling your responsibilities will produce a healthy sense of value and self-esteem - for you and others.

I am in pursuit of health. How about you?