1st Corinthians 6:19 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? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
This passage of scripture teaches us of our sacred duty to care for our bodies which are the purchased possession of Christ. The salvation of man involves the entire man, and every aspect of our being is included in the process. The intellectual, the physical, the spiritual, and the social, all come under the umbrella of God's saving grace, and thus it is incumbent upon us to do the very best we can to keep ourselves in the best of health. This same sentiment is echoed in the third book of John, in which the apostle outlines the perfect will of God for His people. A balanced and well tuned physical body is important to the smooth operation of the other areas of our being, for then we can render quality service to God and man for long, extended periods of time. Let's read:
3rd John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Thus it is our duty to make certain that all that can possibly be done to avert disease and injury be put in place, for God cooperates with our efforts as we try to obey the laws of health as revealed in His word. Many Christians stumble on the point of sickness, and the question is often asked why didn't God prevent such and such from happening to us. Now, whilst we may never know all the answers to these questions, we do know that according to the scriptures, we are under sacred obligation to make wise choices that will foster and promote good health and longevity, for we should never expect God to prevent that which we can sensibly avoid.
For instance, if a certain course of action is known to produce negative results, we should not presume to engage in that activity, with the expectation that God will prevent the laws of cause and effect from running their natural course. This is one of the delusions of the last days and should be avoided like the plague.
The current bird flu that has adversely affected 8 million birds in 13 states across the United States is taking its toll on the poultry industry, and although it has not yet affected any humans, yet the necessary precautions should be put in place, for it is often the case that diseases take time to develop different strains, and by the time the real dangers are realized, it is often too late. The eating of Biblically clean fish was considered safe for many years, until it was discovered later on that dangerous levels of mercury had been ingested by humans who partook freely thereof. And by the time the deadly effects were discovered, many people had already succumbed to heart and brain diseases, which in their turn affected unborn fetuses in ways never thought of previously.
It has now been discovered that shark, mackerel, swordfish, and tuna could have up to 10,000 times the amount of mercury in their bodies, as their surrounding habitat, and therefore, when we partake freely of these foods, we do a serious disservice to our bodies, which as stated before, are the purchased possession of Christ. Let us therefore be wise in our choices, and do the best we can to avoid the pitfalls of the last days, because the responsibility to keep our bodies in the best of health is just as much a part of the Christian experience, as is attending church services.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to put the knowledge we now have to the best use, and if for any reason we were to inadvertently fall into the snare of the fowler, we could then go to God in confidence, asking Him to take up the slack, according to His good will. Let's read:
1st Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!