Be Healthy!

Photo by: tiramisustudio

We’re used to hearing all kinds of phrases with the word “healthy” in them.

• “I don’t care if the baby’s a boy or a girl, as long as it’s healthy.”*
• “We are trying to eat healthier and recently started the _________ diet.”
• “For me, healthy means running a mile each morning and doing weight training, too.”
• “It’s so important to keep a healthy mind; do crossword puzzles every day.”
• “Drink a glass of (water, 'miracle fruit juice') every morning. It's healthy.”
• “It’s healthy to have a great sense of humor.”

What does “healthy” mean to you?

Healthy body? Healthy mind?

How about a healthy soul?

Many years ago, the last living Apostle, John, wrote how he wanted his friends—fellow believers in Christ—to be healthy. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John, verse 2).

Can you envision blessing your friends like this? “Hey Ralph, I wish you were as healthy as your soul.” Imagine Ralph’s reaction.

At the end of the sermon, the pastor pronounces the benediction, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

How’s your soul prospering? Are you caring for your soul as much as you care for your body and mind? Are you growing as a Christian? Are you a prospering Christian? Is your soul maturing? Are you ministering to others?

The Bible says people naturally take care of themselves. We have a survival instinct. We do for ourselves first, usually. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it (Ephesians 5:29a).

But, how about our spiritual “body,” the soul? Is it healthy?

Here’s a healthy diet for the soul:

• The milk and meat of the Word of God (1 Peter 2:2; 1 Corinthians 10:3; Hebrews 5:14)
• Communication (prayer) with our Creator (Matthew 21:22; Romans 12:12)
• Praise and thankfulness (Philippians 4:6; Hebrews 13:15)

Here’s how we can protect our soul:

• Wear the armor of God—the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the boots of the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:13-17)
• Resist the devil with the Word of God. (Luke 4:4, 8, 10-12; Ephesians 6:17; James 4:7)
• Flee from evil. (1 Corinthians 6:18; 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:10-11; 2 Timothy 2:22)
• Make good friends. (Proverbs 17:17; 18:24; 27:6a, 9, 17)

How to have a healthy, spiritual mind:

• Renew it with the Word (Romans 12:2)
• Don’t think to highly of yourself. (Romans 12:3)
• Keep sin confessed. (1 John 1:9)
• Abide in Christ. (John 15:4-7)
• Love the brethren. (Romans 12:9-21)
• Serve in your local church, using your spiritual gifts. (Romans 12:5-8)

Have a healthy body:

• Surrender it daily to God’s will. (Romans 12:1)
• Keep it pure. (Hebrews 10:22)
• Have beautiful feet. Share Christ! (Romans 10:15)
• Reach out a hand to help the poor. (Proverbs 31:20)

Beloved, I wish above all things

that thou mayest prosper and be in health,

even as thy soul prospereth.

*Every baby is precious, healthy or not.