[279 words]
It seems increasingly difficult to know what is and what is not good for us. When blood cholesterol levels were first identified, we were told that butter was bad for us. Now we are told that butter is better for us than margarine (trans-fatty acids, you see). Eggs were bad, now they are good (“nature’s perfect food,” some say). This preacher wonders: Will worrying about our health (what we eat, etc.) possibly lead to high blood pressure?
John suggested a better approach to life. His prayer for Gaius was, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 2). Paul had virtually the same idea in mind when he wrote, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).
The word translated “prosper/prospereth” (3 John 2) literally means, “to help on the road.” The word translated “profitable” (1 Timothy 4:8) means, “helpful, advantageous.” Our soul prospering is surely parallel to exercising ourselves unto godliness. Both inspired writers are telling us that maintaining good spiritual health must take priority over concerns for our physical well-being.
Yes, when we present our bodies as living sacrifices unto God (Romans 12:1-2), we will practice good stewardship of our bodies (1 Corinthians 4:2). However, when our soul’s prosperity is our priority, we will view good health as an added benefit. Also, godly living will help us avoid some self-inflicted problems here, and prepare us for eternity. That is a better “health plan.”
J. Brooks Boyd, Jr.
Livingston Church of Christ
Livingston, TN