Transform

by Sylvia Gaston

Our church is in the middle of a study called ‘Transformed’.  We are exploring the ways God can transform our lives to become all that He planned for us to be.

On Sundays, we are hearing Biblical messages on how we can seek God’s help to transform 7 different areas of our lives. Additionally, many of us are in weekly small groups where we dig even deeper into transforming these 7 areas of our lives:

1.    Spiritual Health
2.    Physical Health
3.    Mental Health
4.    Emotional Health
5.    Relational Health
6.    Financial Health
7.    Vocational Health

Interestingly enough, the Bible has much to say about all of these areas of our lives.

Physical Health:

This week, my group focused on physical health. As expected, our discussions centered on the need to eat better and exercise more. But, there were other things we looked at that inhibit our physical health such as: lack of sleep, stress, water consumption - all good areas to consider as it relates to our overall health.

What really grabbed my attention, however, was the ‘why’ behind staying physically healthy. You see, according to author and pastor Rick Warren, our lives – that includes the care of our bodies – are:

·      a test

·      a trust

·      a temporary assignment.

The 75-100 years we are on this earth are as a blink of an eye compared to the time we will spend on the other side of the grave. One way the Bible describes this is, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” –James 4:14

And for those of us who have chosen to follow Jesus, there is more said about how we regard our physical bodies . . .

“Don’t you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit? The Spirit is in you, and you have received the Spirit from God. You do not belong to yourselves. Christ has paid the price for you. So use your bodies in a way that honors God.” -1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Therefore, the time we have on Earth is a temporary assignment in preparation for eternity. Our time here is a test for how well we manage what God has given us. He has entrusted us with many things: skills, gifts, finances, time, love, generosity, character, hospitality, empathy, relationships, and our bodies.

Assuming, as I do, that God created each of us on purpose and for a purpose, we are to use these gifts for His plan and His will. All of these become ways that we can worship God. If our bodies are falling apart or not strong enough to accomplish these plans for our lives, we cannot become all that He intended.

Also remember, that these bodies of ours have to sustain us for the long haul.  Sometimes, in our early decades, we abuse our bodies or don’t take the care we should.  We’re young, we’re strong, and feel pretty invincible.  But, talk to people in their 50s, 60s, 70s . . . if they haven’t taken good care of their human structure, they’re struggling to be healthy and productive later on in life.

So, healthy bodies have a much deeper implication than just how we look and feel. Our bodies are a means to completely fulfill our purpose on earth.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” -Colossians 3:1-2

Take a good look, friends. What do you need to pay attention to in order to keep the flesh and blood container of yours in great shape for the long haul? You can’t accomplish all that is planned for you if you aren’t healthy. 

It’s never too late to begin a physical transformation. Start today; start small, but START! You need that body to last so that you can do the great things God has planned for you to do in this lifetime!

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?