Sunday, July 6, 2014

Redefining Wellness


 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’ ”
(John 5:6).

We hear a lot in the media today about wellness. What exactly is wellness?  Most definitions include the idea of being healthy in body and mind as a result of deliberate effort. 

Wellness.com defines wellness as “an active process of becoming aware and making choices toward a more successful existence.  Process means that improvement is always possible; being aware is to be continuously seeking how to improve; choices mean selecting the options which are in our best interest; success includes one’s collection of life accomplishments.”

This is a worldly definition, and as Christians we need to know and believe that the most important wellness is spiritual wellness, yielding our lives and hearts to God whatever our bodily condition.  Based on that truth, I think we can apply the wellness.com definition to our lives from a Biblical perspective.

Process - although our health issues may not change, improvement in attitude and perspective is possible because we are new creations (II Corinthians 5:17).  Aware - we become aware of how to improve by studying Scripture and following it (Psalm 19:7-11).  When we are faced with health choices, the Lord will direct us wisely (Psalm 32:8).  Success – a successful life is one which lives life for God’s glory in any condition, healthy or well (Matthew 25:21).

In a recent sermon, our pastor said, “Kingdom plans and goals are being accomplished even in illness.  To really be well is to know Jesus, and true wellness is to experience kingdom purpose in every aspect of life”.  Yes, we would like to be well physically.  But knowing and living for Jesus brings a wellness that will last forever. 

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank you that I can serve You whether I am physically well or not.  Show me how to do this in my particular circumstances.  Help me be wise in pursuing any physical wellness You desire for me, but help me seek the wellness of my soul above all else.  Amen.