The desire for health

There is no question in my mind that the vast majority of people want to be healthy.  We have all sorts of things that can help us to be healthy but until the desire for health begins to result in making the right decisions that will bring about a healthier lifestyle we will only have a desire for health.  What is true in the physical realm is also true in the spiritual realm.  I believe that the vast majority of Chrisitan desire to be a healthy Christian, a genuine disciple of Jesus but according to the latest survey only about 5-9% of Christians have a biblical world view.  This means their life style is consistent with biblical values and principles and they are making decisions in life according to the teaching and principles of the Bible.  Therefore the question that must be answered is how can we move from having a desire for spiritual health to actually having genuine spiritual health and vitality of life.  First, I must recognize that desire alone will never bring about health.  I must understand that health comes from doing the right things on a daily basis.  Jesus said "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."  Luke 9:23.   Second, I must learn to put God first in all things.  Jesus said the greatest commandment is to Love God, Matthew 22:37.  Loving God involves much more then showing up to fulfill a religious duty but it is a lifestyle of worship and serving God.  It is learning to live a life that is pleasing to God.  Third,  if I am a Christian, a disciple of Jesus Christ then I must love His body, that is His church as well.  This is the part of loving people which Jesus said is the second most important commandment.  This also means that I am going to do all that I can do to help my church to be healthy.   Fourth, I must commit myself to a lifestyle of change.  When I desired to have a healthier physical lifestyle I had to eat differently, exercise and then to do this consistently.  The only way to be a healthier Christian is to change which is exactly what the apostle Paul talked about in Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may know God's will His good, pleasing and perfect will."  This involves change and it will result in greater spiritual health.
May the love and peace of God guide your hearts as you strive to become a healthier believer in Jesus Christ.

Pastor John