Healthy or Holy?

Just to be clear, taking care of your health is a vital obligation you have before God. Having said that, here is a question to consider: Do you care more about being healthy or holy?

Let’s think this through. Being as healthy as you can is important! However, problems with your health can take nothing from you that will damage your relationship with God. Sin, on the other hand, will do this and much more. Being sick or injured cannot keep you from God, but sin certainly will.

Maintaining good health is something most people take seriously. Sin – not so much. For example, spending time and money to find the right diagnosis for a health issue is done without question. If you are sick, you ask people to pray for you and your condition. You may pay special attention to diet, exercise, and following the doctor’s orders. This is all good.

Upon receiving a diagnosis for major health issue schedules are redone and life-style changes are made overnight. Specialists are consulted. Expensive and elaborate changes are made in diet and lifestyle. Appointments with the doctor are made to fit the doctor’s schedule, not yours. Again, a good plan.

But what about a diagnosis of anger towards your spouse or children? Your focus is typically upon the people that anger you rather than on curing your sin. The idea of asking the pastor or a biblical counselor to help you change is an afterthought, if that. Certainly you would not alter your work schedule or give up the things you like doing to address this sin. It is just anger and really, you would not be angry if others did not make you angry.

What about adultery? “Excuse me! I’ll have you know I am faithful to my spouse. I resent the implication!” But Jesus says any lustful looks at others is adultery of the heart. What are you doing to prevent the spread of the cancer called lust? Failing to detect and eradicate lust will do more damage than failing to treat signs of cancer.

What about envy? Are you frustrated that others have more than you do, or receive more recognition than you do? How much time, energy and accountability will you give to pursue contentment?

I know, all of this sounds a little strange, even fanatical! The idea that you would give up your money and time and change your lifestyle just so you could be more holy is almost laughable!

You get the point.

Being healthy or being holy, what matters most to you?

Shepherd Press