Lifestyle for Christians is guided by what their pastors and churches consider right and wrong. There is often caution about letting “the world” influence a Christian too much, such as teenagers being guided in who they associate with as friends and parental monitoring of what children watch on television. The major concept is to avoid life things that could encourage a child, teen, or even adult to do wrong.
I have long been interested in a healthy lifestyle and believe that the Bible does promote this. I have found that “the world” probably influences the health of Christians as much or more than any area of their lives. Ironically, I don’t think we realize this, but rather go along with the world leading us like a lamb to slaughter with our health.
Much research indicates that the core of our health lies in our diets – what we eat develops our bodies and even minds. God’s creation gives us the material to build and keep us healthy, such as fruits and vegetables. The Bible speaks to the benefit of fasting on occasion and sleep gives us the much-needed rest for our bodies to recuperate and rebuild every 24 hours. Jesus frequently spoke to the uselessness of worry.
Yet, Christians seem to ignore responsible health practice more than many people who are non-Christian. Just look at the vast number of “eating meetings” that churches have and what shows up to eat at those meetings – not healthy fruits and vegetables. How many Christians do you know who ever fast or even consider it to have any value? Likewise, how many of as Christians engage in worry frequently?
While it is true that God looks after His children, I think He also expects us to live responsibly and take care of the mind, body, spirit, talents, etc. that He has blessed us with. Health is an area that we need to take back control of and not just go along with what the world says and does.
