| Most people would define health as the absence of illness. But true health, as our Creator intended is so much more! I believe it is wholeness; every aspect of your being – spirit, soul and body – functioning at peak performance.
Each part affects the others. You may be an Olympic caliber athlete, fit and in shape physically. However, if you are suffering from depression, have anger management problems, or stress, I can just about guarantee you will begin to break down physically as well.
Your soul encompasses your mind, will and emotions. The Center for Disease Control has said that upwards of 80% of all illnesses are caused by emotions. Stress is certainly included in that figure. With our world in such upheaval today, many people are battling fear and anxiety as well. Those are toxic emotions that will certainly end up manifesting themselves as physical symptoms. You may wonder how your will can affect your overall well-being, but addictions (not just to nicotine, alcohol, or drugs, but also to things like shopping, work and gambling) can be devastating to your relationships and your physical health.
Spiritual health is the first aspect I mentioned and I saved it for last because I feel strongly that it is the “glue” so to speak that creates harmony, wholeness and true health. As a Christian who is committed to teaching and sharing God’s principles of nutrition and health, the spiritual aspect is major for me. It begins with a personal relationship with Christ and living a life of faith based on God’s infallible Word. He created each of us as tri-part beings and the Bible is the owner’s manual for real, abundant life.
Without that deep confidence that you are created for a reason, have a specific purpose to fulfill with your life and are fearfully and wonderfully made, life can become nothing more than existing - making it through another day! Clearly, that is not the quality of life God intended when He said His purpose was to give us abundant life (John 10:10).
You can have a life of health or a life of vibrant wholeness, which is so much more. The choice and responsibility are yours.
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