Health – December 26, 2008

Health

3 John 2

Jim Stephens

12-26-08

 

Scripture:

 

Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is.  (3 John 2 NLT)

 

Observation and Application:

 

John’s little letter to Gaius is a letter from a friend to a friend.  It’s customary to greet a friend with a “How are you?” or “Hope you and your family are in good health!”

 

I’ve been more conscious of the blessings of good health as I get older and we experience the challenges of aging.  I tire more easily.  It takes a little longer to snap back from weariness or minor illness.  Prescription bottles gather on the top of the microwave in the kitchen.

 

Good health is such a blessing!

 

So John’s greeting to Gaius makes me think about Soul Health.  How healthy is my soul?

·        Am I free from the low-grade fever of greed?

·        Is there any intestinal infection of jealousy?

·        Am I free of the cancer of unforgiveness, resentment, and bitterness?

·        Am I feeding my soul a healthy diet of God’s Word, daily applied to my life?

·        Am I exercising my faith until it hurts a little?

·        Is my heart selfishness-free and compassion-full?

 

John, thanks for the check-up.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, thanks for good health.  Every little episode of ill-health makes me more grateful for years of physical strength and health.  Help me keep my soul healthy.  My body may weaken with the years, but I’m contending for a healthy soul for life.  Amen.