editorials

Jesus Christ: The Anchor of the Soul

True Health

Your body, soul, and mind are connected in a very special way. In a way wherein one cannot thrive without the other.  When we are weak in mind and spirit our body does not do well.  We feel physically weak and lose strength, exercise and good nutrition would take a back seat to our discouraged state, taking care of our body would not be a priority, we eat too much or have loss of appetite and eat too little, we develop unhealthy habits to cope, and making a doctors appointment would be the last thing on our list. Our body would simply go lacking from the things we need to keep it healthy. When we are weak in body and spirit, our mind does not do well. We feel depressed, our self image deteriorates, we do not feel good about ourselves, stress takes a toll and we get sick easily, we lack or are confused about our purpose, the meaning of life becomes lost and we become less positive and more negative.

Because the health of our body, soul, and mind is important to our overall health and well-being, and these three components are inextricably linked, we need these three areas to be in harmony as much as possible.  The key to achieving this harmony is the anchor of the soul. 

The Anchor

Anchoring your soul in truth equips you to become more empowered and resilient.  Anchoring your soul in truth gives you a clearer understanding of your individual journey and meaning in personal life events. Anchoring your soul in truth allows you to walk the path to become your best self. This will enhance your desire for a healthy body, a deeper and deeper relationship with God, and you will be more happy, hopeful, and peaceful.  You’ll have more joyful relationships with deeper connection that enables you to uplift and be uplifted by others.  You will be more capable of carrying out your God given purpose.

Emotional-well being and the Bible

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.”

2 Timothy 1:7

We embody a range of emotions. From joy, happiness, excitement and the like, to sadness, anger, fear and the like. It is important that we are able to live comfortably with these emotions- embracing the good and managing the bad in healthy ways.

In Control

Our emotions are natural and instinctive and are expressed in everyday life within different circumstances. Although there are many wonderful emotions that bring us great feelings, there are also many emotions that are destructive, cause us distress, and interfere with the harmony in our lives. Emotions like anger, jealousy, fear, sadness, anxiety, worry, contempt etc. are like chains of bondage that hold you captive and weigh you down, and you can be yanked around in any direction because you are not in control of these chains. Our number one priority in regard to our emotional well-being should be to control our emotions and not let our emotions control us. God directs us to be of sound mind, to be strong and courageous, and to not be a weak reed swayed by every breath of wind. We need to choose to not be yanked around by these negative emotions that can arise out of our daily life.

Sound Mind

Remember that God is with us when we stand against the causes of these negative emotions. As the gospels say, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11), also to “take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). In this life we live, no one is exempt from trials, and we are triggered by all sorts of negativity. However, we serve a God that fights for us and teaches us how to fight. Our God knows us through and through, He knows the battle we face everyday to stay on the right path. We are in His good Graces, we need only to look to Him. “Oh Lord, You have searched me and know me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether” (Psalms 139:1-4).

Start. Take steps to be more positive, optimistic, and hopeful. Always look on the bright side of things. Look for the sliver lining in difficult situations and always look for the positive attributes in people. Reduce your stress and manage it in healthy ways. Be resilient- when you get knocked down, get back up and try harder. Last but not least, always call on God for help, He will strengthen you.

Stress management and the Bible

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” 

Philippians 4:8-9

Manage Stress

Stress is a part of life and it can wreak havoc on our body, soul, and mind if we do not know how to cope with it in our daily life. Stress is the result of pressure, strain, or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances, or circumstances you feel are out of your control. Stress can be overwhelming and can cause anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, pounding heart, insomnia, and premature aging among others. One of the best things we can do for ourselves when encountering stress is to manage it in healthy ways.

Change Perspective

God shows us the way to consider stress. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”(James 1:2-4). Changing your perspective on stress and knowing that God is in control, that He loves us and wants the best for us, can enable us to look at the stressors in a different way which can be freeing. Once we’re able to see the stressors in a different light, we are better able to make use of stress management tools like relaxation techniques, physical activity, communicating your feelings or counseling, time management techniques etc. 

We also need to keep ourselves mentally and spiritually strong and resilient before stress occurs. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9). We need to know who we are in Christ, strengthen the areas in which we are weak, and put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). We need to be prepared with the truth that God has our back no matter the stress of the moment. “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

Start. Trust that God loves you and wants the best for you. Pray and meditate before, during, and after stressful moments so you have an understanding of each event and can take lessons from it. Make use of stress management techniques like controlled breathing, positive thinking, time management, exercise, doing something you love, treating yourself, talking to close friends and family, and more.

Disease prevention and the Bible

Be Proactive

We live in a world where disease is a part of life, directly and indirectly. Whether its chronic (noncommunicable) diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer- or infectious (communicable) disease caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites- we should maintain an awareness of how to protect our bodies against disease. We need to be proactive in preventing disease by reducing our risk, increasing our healthy behaviors and eliminating unhealthy behaviors. Remember, God formed us and breathed life into us, making us a living soul with a purpose (Genesis 2:7). God needs us for His very divine purpose, so we need to respectfully take good care of our health.

Be Aware

There are many unhealthy behaviors that make our bodies more susceptible to disease including not getting regular checkups or knowing our health status, overeating junk foods or fatty foods, smoking, too much alcohol, avoiding physical activity, uncleanliness or improper hygiene, sexual promiscuity etc. We need to target these behaviors and change them. In addition, we need to be knowledgeable and equipped with the resources to do so.

Healthy behaviors are promoted in the word of God. Following these teachings encourages disease prevention. Notice that when we indulge in things that are not Christ like i.e greed, laziness, irresponsibility, drunkenness, or indulge in things that are known to be negative, it adversely affects our bodies. “fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3: 7-8

Start. First things first. Know the status of your health. See your health care provider for regular check-ups. Health screenings, exams, and laboratory tests are important in disease prevention because it can help find problems before they start or they can help find problems early when your chances of treatment and cure are better. Also, be aware of your body and pay attention when it’s not feeling well or not working properly. When something feels off or out of order, know how to counteract it with nutrients, vitamins/minerals, rest, medicine etc., and talk to your medical professional to learn what your body specifically needs according to your health status. Finally, gain knowledge and an understanding of disease statistics and how it relates to you in terms of your age, gender, and genetics. Awareness is important.

Healthy foods and the Bible

“Because He holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.” 

Colossians 2:19

Nutritional Foods

The way you nourish your body is an essential factor in taking care of your body. God provided us with an abundance of nutrient rich sources to help our bodies grow healthy and strong for the very purposeful work He has planned for our lives. As the gospel says, “I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food” (Genesis 1:29). The food that we eat is meant to do good things for our bodies. That was what God intended. However, the majority of our food has now become unhealthy and lacking in nutrients due to being altered, manufactured, and processed for different reasons including being quick and easy, cheap, and getting more for less. These shortcuts equates to greed, neglect, and laziness for many of us, and these qualities are not of God. The fact also is that some consumers of these products purchase because of socioeconomic reasons, and cannot help it. Healthier alternatives like fresh fruits and vegetables are either not as available in certain communities or are too expensive. Everyone should have the option to eat healthy the way God intended and we should not opt for unhealthy foods because manufactured ingredients make it more appealing to our senses.

Purposeful Eating

We know food can be a rich and satisfying thing for our body but we have to be aware that depending on how we utilize food, it can work against us, negatively impacting the harmony of our body with our soul and mind. Food can be harmful not only when it is nutritionally unhealthy but also if it is associated with an eating disorder (bulimia, anorexia), and if it is used for emotional eating (turning to food for comfort, not because you’re hungry). However, if we are conscious of the purpose of food for being a delicious and nutritious gift from God which should be used to maintain a healthy body, and follow what the gospel says, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) we will be on the right track. Also remember as you feed your body also feed your soul and your mind “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

Start. In order to begin achieving your healthy food goals you must pay attention to your nutrition. Learn about the foods you are eating and why certain things are bad for you and good for you. Read your nutrition labels and let that information guide your purchases. Cut out unhealthy foods and substitute with healthier alternatives. Learn about the health benefits of different foods and the types of things they are responsible for in the body. Be well informed about your nutrition and apply it to your eating habits.  

Exercise and the Bible

“Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God” 

1 Corinthians 6:19

Exercise Regimen

An exercise regimen is an important inclusion to your way of life if you want to improve and maintain your overall health. Having this routine is not only good for your body but it is also good for your soul and mind. People who exercise regularly benefit with a positive boost in mood and improved self esteem. This is due to the release of endorphins in the body that trigger positive feelings. Exercise also reduces risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. God wants us to maintain a healthy body strong enough to fight diseases and resilient enough to heal from hurt. We are God’s loving creation and we should appreciate how intricate and remarkable our bodies were made, and how intelligently it functions. The specific way God built our bodies enables us to strengthen it through exercise and physical activity. God means for us to be active and purposeful, that is why our bodies react positively to physical activity and poorly to inactivity. Finally, the act of exercising in itself is good affirmation for the soul. By taking care of it, it confirms your belief and love for God.

Start.  A good way to maintain a continuous exercise regimen is to choose something that is enjoyable and something that you can handle, whether its running, walking, swimming, strength training, or a combination of all. Then create a flexible schedule that you can stick with. Set your goals moderate at first and set goals in which you are optimistic of not giving up. As Paul says in the gospel, “run in such a way that you may win” (1 Corinthians 9:24). When you begin to incorporate this routine into your life, do it not only for yourself, but as a living sacrifice to God. As it says in the gospels, “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). This is a part of your success.