In 1 Corinthians 12:20, 26 we are told that the Body of Christ is made up of many "members" even though it is one body. I'd like to focus on this principle, which is true of our bodies. We can all agree there are different cells, organs and systems that together make up our physical bodies. We have to also factor in our experiences, emotional makeup, personalities, thoughts, beliefs and perceptions. These also affect how healthy we are. Each of us is a complex, multifaceted, Designer original! For instance, your emotions affect your physical health as surely as the food you eat! In fact, 85% of illness originates in our emotions. If you believe you are unhealthy - even if you have nothing wrong with you - that belief will be self-fulfilling - it's been proven time and time again.
Ok, on the surface this may seem like a "duh" rather than an "aha" moment. Which one of us can pray and worship God wholeheartedly when our head is splitting or our back is aching? It's very clear our physical condition impacts both our spirit and soul, which is our mind, will and emotions and vice versa. If you are upset with one of your children or worried about something, you may experience the effects of that anxiety and tension in the form of a neck ache or upset stomach. Conversely, just try to sit quietly and read your devotional when you are angry or hurt by something your spouse or a friend said - it is nearly impossible! However, what has amazed me about the deeper truth of this scripture is that our bodies are created to work as integrated systems - each part works in concert with the others. When we are truly healthy, we are experiencing this harmony of cells, organs and systems.
Our God is very big on wholeness (shalom - nothing missing, nothing broken). Referring to the Body of Christ, this scripture points out that even we who make up His little toe are just as important as those who comprise His heart. It holds true physically as well. (Just stub your toe and you'll agree!) This was brought into sharp relief recently when a friend was experiencing dental problems. She had an infected tooth that was causing problems not only in her mouth, but in her sinuses, head, neck and eyes as well! Research now shows that gum disease has been linked to cardiovascular problems. Left untreated, that bacteria has been proven to directly cause heart problems. Another friend related that her cousin was advised by her dentist after a checkup to contact a cardiologist immediately as she had advanced gum disease. She ignored the warning until she began experiencing alarming symptoms several years later. By then, her heart was so damaged, her only medical recourse was a heart transplant. Imagine, the impact of one tiny tooth! This may sound extreme, but I assure you it is true. Perhaps a more obvious connection is how dental health affects digestion, particularly for the elderly. Missing teeth may cause the inability to chew food properly, which negatively impacts your ability to properly digest your food. Without proper digestion, your entire body suffers. Some health practitioners, particularly those versed in Chinese medicine, even see a connection between your dental health and your respiratory system.
We truly are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). God created every cell of our bodies for a specific purpose, just as He created each one of us to fulfill a specific plan and purpose with our lives. Let's honor God by caring for these amazing bodies He so carefully and lovingly created for us!
Take a Step:
Is there a spirit or soul issue that is affecting your physical health? Are you dealing with a health issue that is impacting your spirit or soul? If so, I would encourage you to get help in dealing with the issue so that you can enjoy true wholeness. If you have no idea where to begin, send me an email at ann@threedimensionalvitality.com and I would be honored to help you take the first step.
Until next time, I wish you vibrant health!
Ann
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