Holistic Health, part three

Because God’s personality is housed (if one can think of God being “housed” in anything) in Spirit, He is not bound by such things as neurology, anatomy, physiology, gravity, time, or physics.

Because we are housed in bodies, we are bound by such things. We are bound by laws that govern the functioning of a biological being. We have nervous systems and hormonal systems, particularly, which influence, and are influenced by our mind, will, and emotions. Ours is a reciprocal relationship within ourselves. Every thought, feeling, and behavior is simultaneously biological.

The Bible doesn’t say a whole lot about the body and how to treat it, but we do have hints here and there.

For example, we read in 1 Tim. 5.23 that drinking a little wine can be good for the stomach. We read in Daniel 1 that vegetables were considered better for the body than “the king’s dainties”. And in 1 Kings 19.1-18, God supplies food and water for a hungry, thirsty, and spiritually exhausted Elijah.

So the notion is that taking care to provide the body with proper nutrition is good and appropriate.

We also find that exercise is hinted at. 1 Tim. 4.8 says that, “bodily exercise profits a little”. And in 1 Cor. 9.24-26 Paul uses vigorous physical training as an example of spiritual training.

As for rest, why was Jesus asleep in the bottom of the boat (Matt. 8.23)? Because He was tired. If it is ok for Jesus to sleep when He is tired, I suspect its ok for us.

As for our Nervous and Hormonal systems, the scriptures really don’t address them. But General Revelation has taught us that many of our emotional, cognitive (i.e. thinking), and relationship problems find their roots in chemical imbalances.

If you are having emotional, cognitive, or relational problems, evaluate whether or not you are getting proper amounts of the right kind of nutrition, rest, and exercise. If those are in place and the problems still exist, seek the help of a mental health professional to consider if neurological or hormonal issues might be involved.

Remember that being as physically healthy as we can is not just an option. It is an opportunity to reflect God's glory to the world...and that is why we're here!