Read: Hebrews 10:19-25
In the past decade or so there has been a big push toward healthy eating and exercise. We now have various gadgets to let us know how many calories we consume, how many steps we take in a day, and how healthy our sleep is at night. This has been a good thing, but as Time magazine recently reported, there are other things that affect our health as well.
Yes, the church is one of them. The Time report spoke of many studies showing that people who are an active part of a family of faith live healthier, happier, and longer lives. Much of that is attributed to the common faith, respect, compassion, gratitude, charity, and humility that are encouraged and practiced in church communities.
The Church also provides a place for the grace, forgiveness, and restoration of Jesus to be shared with others. One of the research associates in the Time article spoke to this. Professor Marino Bruce said, “Having that sense you’re not in the world alone, that you are part of a power larger than oneself, can give one confidence to deal with the issues of life.” Those who follow Jesus know that His power is an incredible help in our everyday lives.
In Hebrews 10:23-25 the Bible says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” Church should be a place of hope, encouragement, and support.
People are not perfect, and the church is made up of imperfect people. But being part of a community that is seeking the redeeming grace of Jesus for every part of our lives can most definitely improve your health.
Laying our sin and guilt down at the cross of Jesus and receiving his grace and forgivingness is the healthiest choice any of us can make. That is what the community of believers in the church are called to. May we spur one another on toward love!
Make it Personal: What a wonderful privilege it is to be a part of this church family here at AMC. I hope you will consider the blessing it is to share this faith, hope, love, and encouragement with each other. May each of us remember the importance of our spiritual health as we pursue ways to improve our physical health.
Have a wonderful week, Pastor Glen Rhodes