Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet Outreach
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. [Psalm 119:105, 106]
Health Principles and Their Importance
Additionally, there’s more to “wellness” than a better diet or increased exercise. Since YHWH communicates through the human mind, anything done that affects the brain likewise affects the relationship with Him.
IS HEALTH IMPORTANT?
The Word of YHWH is an important factor in the maintenance of health:
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. [Proverbs 4:20-22]
It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. [Matthew 4:4]
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear YHWH and depart from evil. It shall be medicine to thy navel and moistening to thy bones. [Proverbs 3:7, 8]
What marvelous promise did YHWH give to the Israelites regarding health? Can people today claim that same promise?
If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of YHWH thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all these statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am YHWH that healeth thee. [Exodus 15:26]
And ye shall serve YHWH your God, and he shall bless thy bread and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. [Exodus 23:25]
And the inhabitant shall not say, “I am sick”: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity. [Isaiah 33:24]
Do health principles apply to all people at all times, or are they only meant for the ancient Israelites?
But I keep my body under subjection: lest by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. [1 Corinthians 9:27]
HEALTH — AND WORSHIP?
The book of Revelation demonstrates the message of physical health being a part of YHWH’s last day message for the world. Revelation 14:7 says Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Communal worship with fellow believers enables people to transcend the difficult times currently experienced in the present life and to catch a glimpse of the blessedness of the world to come.
What does “spiritual living” include?
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Thessalonians 5:23]
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [Romans 12:1]
Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true…honest…just…pure…lovely…of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things. [Philippians 4:8]
Are physical habits of living important in YHWH’s sight?
Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. [1 Corinthians 10:31]
What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the holy ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20]
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. [1 Corinthians 3:17]
The Christian life involves the whole person. It includes entire surrender of the fleshly desires to YHWH. Holiness is wholeness to Him. YHWH designs that the body shall be the temple for His spirit to dwell. This is a solemn responsibility for each person. The physical life is to be carefully educated, cultivated and developed, that through individuals the divine nature may be revealed in its fullness.
HEALTH PRINCIPLES
Besides giving laws of spiritual life and health, YHWH gives His people guidance concerning healthful living.
- Laws respecting diet: Leviticus 11:2-47; Deuteronomy 14:3-20; Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 23:29-33; Genesis 7:2, 3
- Laws respecting labor and rest: Exodus 20:9, 10; Luke 13:14; Genesis 2:2, 3; Nehemiah 13:16-19
- Laws of hygiene: Leviticus 14:8; Numbers 5:2, 3; Hebrews 10:22; Ezekiel 36:25
- Laws respecting morality: Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18; Luke 18:20; James 2:11
Where does true healing originate?
I am YHWH who healeth thee. [Exodus 15:26]
Bless YHWH, O my soul and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases. [Psalm 103:2, 3]
YHWH will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou will turn all his bed in his sickness. [Psalm 41:3]
What does Scripture say will happen to those who continue to rebel against YHWH by defiling their bodies in certain respects — although they know better?
They that sanctify themselves and purify themselves in the gardens, one after another, eating swine’s flesh and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith YHWH. [Isaiah 66:17]
Does this mean if a person simply does something a certain way — such as eat a particular food — then he/she will be saved/godly/spiritual?
NO! Doing certain things — like making changes to one’s diet — does not give salvation in and of itself and “doing” doesn’t “earn points” with YHWH. Mankind will never truly be temperate until the grace of the Savior is an abiding principle in the heart. Circumstances cannot work reform. Christianity proposes reformation in the heart. The Lord gives the power of choice; it is each person’s privilege to exercise that choice. There is a choice to serve Him — a giving of the Will. Thus the whole nature will be brought under the control of the Savior. Each person receives steadfast strength from above. Only those who honor Him, can He then, in turn, honor.
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And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. [Joel 2:25]