We give a lot of attention to physical health with constant headlines scaring us about cancer-causing agents and obesity among other ills. The “U.S. healthcare industry is massive” with spending over $4 trillion in 2021 (that’s over 19 percent of all the goods and services produced in the U.S.) and forecast to be over $6 trillion by 2028. 1 Emotional health is also on a lot minds due to the alarming jump in irrational, violent, and criminal behavior since the Covid-19 pandemic with over 90 percent of Americans say we were in a “mental health crisis”. 2 Yet, how many people do you hear expressing concern over spiritual health?
Step 1 – Go to the Spirit Doctor
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29) He offer rest for the weak, weary, and sin-sick soul. Go to the Lord and be honest about trying to do things your way instead of His. Confess any sins and ask the Lord for help. He will forgive and comfort you according to the promise, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Secular science and medicine have finally realized that mind and body are linked although God told us long ago that we were body, mind, and spirit. “Studies have shown a connection between regulated mental health and the body’s physical health.” 3 Therefore, how a person thinks can affect bodily health. And conversely, physical health impacts emotions. We know from experience when we are sick, we are generally not very happy. However, our society has commonly neglected the critical third part of our person–our spirit. Our spirit, the part of us that will live forever, has by and large been starved, ignored, and forgotten as we live for the moment. Yet, if we can’t be truly healthy when we neglect our body or mind, how can we expect to be healthy if we neglect our spirit? We can’t—so how do we care for our spirits?
Step 2 – Eat Right
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Deuteronomy 8:3 and Matthew 4:4) You may have heard this before, but it is time to really think about it. Our spirits need to be fed just like our physical body. God’s Word, the Bible, is spiritual nourishment. Notice we are not to just look at a verse or two, but every word from God. That means taking time to read and study the Bible.
The Apostle Peter told us, “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2:1-2) We are to put away evil plan and speech. Instead as babies desire milk, we should desire the Word of God that so our soul can grow.
If a child did not grow physically, we would know something was wrong. The same is true spiritually. We are not to stay spiritual babies but grow up and use spiritual meat–the deep things of the Bible.
Consider this challenge, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.” (Hebrews 5:12-13) We are to grow and mature spiritually so we can help or teach others. So how do we grow and get to solid spiritual food?
Step 3 – Exercise
Just like we need to eat right and exercise physically, we need to do so spiritually. “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14) We must exercise our spirit and discern between right and wrong based on what God has said.
The Apostle Paul explained this bit more when he wrote, “exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7b-8)
Physical exercise is good for our bodies while on Earth. Yet, godliness is profitable now and forever. What exactly is godliness? “Piety or reverence toward God (1 Timothy 2:2). Godliness means more than religious profession and godly conduct; it also means the reality and power of avital union with God.”
It is so valuable that Paul emphasized it again. “Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6) If you want a great reward, live with reverence toward God and live-in union with Him. Spend time learning God’s instructions and promises that are discussed in the book Have You Heard from God Lately? 30 Messages from Heaven for You. Exercise faith by putting those instructions and promises into practice every day and see if there is not a change in priority and outlook in life.
What Spiritual Health Does Not Promise
As you grow and improve in spiritual health, be careful not to put expectations and conditions on God that He did not promise. The Lord did not say life on Earth would be easy with no physical sickness or emotional distress because you read and obey the Bible. (That will be Heaven.) Jesus did say we would never be alone in tough times. “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 29:20b) God also said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b) The Lord promised to be with His children always. That means in good times and in bad times we can go to Him for comfort, help, guidance, and support. Knowing this makes a world of difference when life does not go the way we want.
Being spiritually healthy means we know there is purpose and God has a plan, even when we do not see it. It means we can trust the Lord with our mind and body and have peace even when the storms of life come. Remember Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
God gives peace that is different from the world. The world’s peace is fragile and depends on circumstances. God’s peace is permanent because it depends on Him. This spiritual peace can help and sustain the mind and body.
So, remember to take care of sprit, mind, and body. (For some good tips on caring for your mind and body, read the article https://susanuneal.com/how-to-incorporate-healthy-choices-into-a-crazy-life/) Your three parts are all a gift from God which need attention and are not to be neglected. As the Apostle John wrote, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 2)
How About You?
Have you thought about your spiritual health before? If so, what steps have you taken to improve it? If not, do you think this information will be helpful? Post a comment and share your thoughts or questions.
About the Author
Keon Lindsey is a Christian Author, former Business Consultant, Project Management Professional, and Navy Veteran with a variety of life experiences. He has earned a Black Belt in American Freestyle Karate, worked for himself, flown small airplanes and large jets, and has a master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Yet, what brings him lasting satisfaction is studying and sharing God’s Word, the Bible. Keon hopes that his writings inspire you to seek that great satisfaction as well. His books include:
Have You Heard from God Lately? 30 Messages from Heaven for You
Seeking the Lord, a 30 Day Start to Your Journey
Connect with Keon at https://KeonLindsey.com
Footnotes:
[1] https://www.insiderintelligence.com/insights/healthcare-industry/ accessed 1/13/2024
[2] https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/05/health/cnn-kff-mental-health-poll-wellness/index.html accessed 1/13/2024
[3] https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-to-know-about-emotional-health accessed 1/13/2024
[4] Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Robert Youngblood, 1995 Thomas Nelson Publishers, p. 506.