Rejoicing for Health

Researchers have begun to use the word “cyberchondria” to refer to an unhealthy obsession with self-diagnosis on the Internet. Self-induced health problems caused by anxiety about sicknesses have been around long before the Internet. However, chronic worriers now have 24-hour access to myriads of health problem descriptions. While the disorder remains controversial, it is clear that the mind can affect the body—and vice versa.

The Bible’s description of the unity of humans can be seen by the way that words such as “spirit” and “soul” are used interchangeably. Paul associates the spirit as the part of the human mind that connects with God: “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). When Mary sang after she was told she would give birth to Jesus, she used the terms “spirit” and “soul” interchangeably— suggesting their close unity.

The body, likewise, plays an integral part in the description of humans: “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Although this is the only three- part description of a human in the whole Bible, it reveals that even though there is a part of us that primarily connects with God, our entire being was designed to be made holy by His presence.

With this unity in mind, people have the opportunity to seek for an enriched intellectual life in order to have healthier bodies and a cultivated connection with God in order to find wisdom for life. The reverse is also true: Attention to bodily health can improve our connection with God and our ability to learn. John puts both of them beautifully together in a greeting to the church: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2).

Apply It:

List ten things for which you are thankful.

Dig Deeper:

1 Corinthians 7:34; Romans 12:1, 2; Proverbs 17:22

Key Bible Texts

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, (Luke 1:46 KJV)