The Best is Yet to Come (By Camila Skaf)

The Greatest Wealth

What is the greatest wealth that a man can have? Family? Time? I believe Health is the number one. I may have family and time, but without Health I won’t be able to enjoy neither. In fact, if I lose health completely, I will lose my life, and nothing else will matter.

These are my children. Catarina (4) and Antoine (1). I love them deeply, even more than my own existence. And when I am thinking of their wellbeing, I ask myself the following question: What kind of wealth do I want to leave to my children? What can I do today to positively impact their future and give them best chance for happiness and fulfilment?

My goal is for them to know tthat hey are loved, and to live their purpose, by making good use of what they have, and grow even more. I want the very best for them!

You may not have children and perhaps I don’t make sense to you, but God is your maker and even if no nobody else cared, He cares. It is God’s plan that you prosper in Health and today we will go through some evidence of how God has equipped us to prosper in Health.

Here is a letter from the beloved disciple John:

3 John 2 NASB95

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

But what is Health?

As defined by the World Health Organization, health is “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

While this definition of health is quite thorough and relatively inclusive of the various dimensions of health, it fails to fully reflect the Biblical concept of health. Essentially God’s concept of health for you is not only that, and even science now is catching up with God’s message and slowly bringing this subject to surface.

I. Biblical Concept of Health

A. Health vs. Shalom

If you run a Bible search on the word "health", you will collect very few results. In fact, the Revised Standard Version uses it only 6 times.

But if Health is such an important asset, and God wants the best for our prosperity and wellbeing, then why God’s Word for us don’t mention much of health?

Well…This is not due to the fact the Biblical authors didn't think it wasn't important, it is because the ancient view of health is quite different from our modern understanding, which led to the use of different words.

In general, our contemporary society thinks of health and its care as the domain of science, concentrated in the physical, described and treated as a function of nature. Even when mental health is included, it is often thought of in terms of biochemical processes and solutions that are primarily physical in nature.

The Biblical approach, on the other hand, not only acknowledges the divine involvement beyond nature, but makes that involvement central.

Let me illustrate it for you.

For example, did you know that biblical Hebrew has names for more than 80 body parts, but it does not have a clear term for body?

This is because the Hebrew mind did not think of the human being as a purely physical object, nor could health be characterized primarily as a physical condition.

Because the Bible treats life as a matter of the whole person, undivided by categories such as physical vs. mental vs. spiritual, the Biblical word in Hebrew that communicates the idea of well-being is the term Shalom, which appears more than 350 times in the Bible.

While most people today translate that word to simply mean "peace", its use in the Bible is much broader. Only 38 times it is used in the Bible for peace as contrasted to war.

The concept of Shalom includes the ideas of completeness, soundness, good welfare, prosperity, well-being, harmony between or among parties and harmony within oneself.

Through Shalom, the biblical idea of health, while including the physical state, extends through every aspect of human experience, including the physical, mental, spiritual, and social, whether individually, collectively, or nationally.

Let’s look at a few examples. In Genesis 29, there's the first occurrence of the word shalom in the Bible, and the context is Jacob, the son of Isaac, inquiring about the well-being of his relative.

Genesis 29:5–6 (NASB95)

He said to them, “Do you know Laban the son of Nahor?” And they said, “We know him.”

And he said to them, “Is it well [shalom] with him?” And they said, “It is well [shalom], and here is Rachel his daughter coming with the sheep.”

Another example of this can be found in the following passage, about Jesus' development as a kid. While in our culture it would suffice to say, "And he grew up as a healthy boy", this is how the bible described it:

Luke 2:52 (NASB95)

And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom [mental] and stature [physical], and in favour with God [spiritual] and men [social].

In Leviticus 26:6, we see another example of Shalom, this time being used in the sense of mental health, to express an untroubled state of mind that originates from acceptance with God, as we can read together in the screen:

Leviticus 26:6 (NASB95)

‘I shall also grant peace [shalom] in the land, so that you may lie down with no one making you tremble. I shall also eliminate harmful beasts from the land, and no sword will pass through your land.

Not surprisingly , the ultimate shalom that represents a complete state of satisfaction and wellbeing can only be given by God. To those who serve Him, He offers a covenant of shalom:

Numbers 25:12 (NASB95)

“Therefore say, ‘Behold, I give him My covenant of peace [shalom];

In the New Testament, shalom is expressed through the concept of Eirene, which often gets translated as peace, and it can be seen in multiple passages. For example, in John 14:27 we read:

John 14:27 (NASB95)

“Peace [eirene / the gr. equiv. to shalom] I leave with you; My peace [shalom] I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

and Romans 5:1

Romans 5:1 (NASB95)

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace [shalom] with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

In addition to the Shalom, the New Testament often speaks about healing in terms of "wholeness" through the word "Sozo", which is the same word that is translated as Salvation. So, when Jesus healed a woman that was sick with a bleeding disorder for 12 years, he said:

Mark 5:34 (NASB95)

“Daughter, your faith has made you well [Sozo]; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”

That tells us that her faith in Jesus saved her in a spiritual sense, with her physical healing being a symbol of that.

Now that we covered the basic definition of health in the Bible, there are three things that are important to be considered in our approach to seeking shalom

First, the Bible calls us to be diligent.

This is because this shalom that God offers freely is not achieved easily, because our world will offer too many distractions to prevent us from having it and also because our human heart has a natural bent towards evil, so our flesh will fight against it. This idea can be seen in 2 Peter 3:14:

2 Peter 3:14 (NASB95)

Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,

Second, the Bible calls us to be noble. (Being the best you can be and do right by others.

For instance, the complete shalom that is offered by God cannot be had by the wicked, or the person that is at odds with God, as the prophet Isaiah wrote:

Isaiah 48:22 NASB95

“There is no peace for the wicked,” says the Lord.

Third, that our attitude towards health springs from a sense of gratitude.

And that is because while the shalom that God has to offer includes physical well-being, it is primarily experienced by a right relationship with God. Believing that we're naturally entitled to good physical health is a deception that have distanced way too many souls from their Creator.

Jesus makes it clear that We live in a world of sin, and often that sin will take away from the shalom of certain areas, including our physical health. Let's read it in John 16:33

John 16:33 (NASB95)

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have shalom. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

So, while obedience to God will tend to produce health and well-being, there are still factors outside of our control that are consequence of a sinful world and that may still lead into disease and sickness.

Which leads me to my fourth observation:

Fourth, we are called to be hopeful

The ultimate shalom of healing and peace will come as a cosmic fulfillment, the complete restoration of all things, at the second coming of Jesus.

II. The Necessity of Taking Care of One's Temple

Now that we're all on the same page regarding the Biblical concept of health, or wholeness, we move on to our next question. Why is it necessary for the disciple of Jesus to be diligent in taking care of his own health?

A. Because our Bodies are Sacred

The first reason is that our bodies are sacred, and they belong to God. And because they belong to God, we ought to be faithful trustees of His property.

Let's have a look of what the Bible has to say about this.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NASB95

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

So, since our body belongs to God, we ought to treat it with the maximum care. For the Christian, it is not "my body, my rules", but "God's body, God's rules"

B. Because God wants to inhabit in us

Now, you might not know this, but it is not only the Holy Spirit that inhabits in us. The full Trinity wants to inhabit in us. Check this out:

John 14:23 (NASB95)

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.

Now, how exactly do the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit abide in us - this is something that is beyond explanation. But I find it amazing that God wants to dwell in me, in my body - therefore I ought to take care of it according to God's instructions.

Then there's a third reason why we should do our best to maintain an optimal health:

Because that will allow us to have better spiritual discernment.

C. Because it gives us Spiritual Discernment

The old Latin proverb was correct when it said, "Mens Sana in Corpore Sano", or: "A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body"

Let's look at what Ellen White, one of the founders of the Seventh-Day Adventist movement wrote over 100 years ago on this matter:

“Anything that lessens physical strength enfeebles the mind and makes it less capable of discriminating between right and wrong. We become less capable of choosing the good and have less strength of will to do that which we know to be right.” COL, 346.

D. Because we Can Serve the Lord Better and Longer.

A Third reason why we should strive to obey God in his health-related instructions is to be able to serve him better and longer.

In other words: If we're sick, how can we minister to others?

Let's see what the Bible has to say about that:

Romans 12:1 NASB95

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Our spiritual service of worship is much more than just gathering once a week to praise God. It is a whole-of-life attitude of serving him wherever we go - before our family, friends, and our community. Therefore, our bodies need to be presented as a living sacrifice.

Next Verse.

1 Corinthians 10:31 NASB95

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

So glorifying God is done in the small things, including what we eat and drink. This is another quote from Ellen White:

“The God of heaven has given us reasoning powers and intellect, and He wants us to use them. He has given us this body which He wishes us to preserve in perfect health so that we can give Him perfect service.” (UL 192: 4, from Mc 6a, June 27, 1886)

And here's an illustration from the Bible

Luke 4:39 (NASB95)

And standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and she immediately got up and served them.

When Jesus heals us or when we maintain the health that he has given us, the best way to use our God-given strength is by serving Him and by serving others.

Can you honestly say you’re using your God given health to serve others?

Serving others will actually give you a tremendous boost in your shalom:

“The pleasure of doing good to others imparts a glow to the feelings which flashes through the nerves, quickens the circulation of the blood, and induces mental and physical health” Testimonies Vol 4. 56

III. How can I obtain that Physical well-being part of the Shalom?

A. God's Part

First, let's start with God's part.

As I said in the beginning, the reason why it is not that simple to be healthy is because our minds are naturally bent towards evil. In this case, our mind and our body are naturally bent towards eating and drinking and doing other things that harm health, such as eating fatty foods, fried foods, sugar, lack of physical activity and undermining good sleep by going to bed late or accumulating too much stress without dealing with it appropriately.

But we're not left on our own devices. Let's see what the Bible teaches us about practicing these kinds of spiritual discipline:

Philippians 2:12–13 NASB95

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

So, God gives us the will and the power to do His good pleasure. You don't feel like doing what you need to do? Pray first thing in the morning:

"God, help me to desire to take care of my health to the best of my ability, because now I have no desire for it. I want to glorify your name with what I eat, what I drink, what I watch and with how I move. I want to receive the spiritual discernment and strength that comes for that. I won't stop praying and asking until you can help me by giving me this desire, according to your promise. "

God also gives us the knowledge and the discernment to know what's best for our health. For instance, if anything causes addiction, it's not suitable for our consumption:

1 Corinthians 6:12 (NASB95)

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything [controlled by, addicted to].

Other interesting example: excess sugar is discouraged by the Creator of our bodies.

Proverbs 25:27 NASB95

It is not good to eat much honey, Nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory.

Current research suggests the maximum intake of added sugar per day should be of no more than 9 teaspoons for a male and 6 teaspoons for a female. (This is sugar added to our food, it does not include sugars found in fruits if they are eaten whole with their fibre).

Alcohol intake also is not appropriate for the believer. While not only any alcohol consumption is associated with increased risks of developing cancers, domestic violence, car accidents and the like, but the Bible also commands us that:

Ephesians 5:18 NASB95

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

The Bible has several instructions that are designed to boost our mental health as well. For instance, unforgiveness and guilt, when not dealt accordingly by forgiveness and repentance, will have a harmful effect on our bodies. This mind-body connection that is relatively new to science was not new at all for Bible students of all times.

Psalm 32:3 NASB95

When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long.

Right there we already see a lot of principles that would already increase our physical and mental health. But the Bible was written over 2,000 years ago and by no means it exhausts the subject. On the contrary, God has given us instructions to continue to learn and research and to obey the newly discovered laws of health, so new scientific discoveries are a constant new source of information about how to obtain optimal health - in that they do not contradict God's revelation. See for example Psalm 111:2

Psalm 111:2 NASB95

Great are the works of the Lord; They are studied by all who delight in them.

Now, this is true of both God's works in history, as well as His works in creation. God wants us to study ALL of his works - including the natural laws that affect our health and wellbeing.

In addition to evidence-based science, Seventh-day Adventists have an additional source of God-given instructions regarding health through the writings of Ellen G. White, whom we believe had the Biblical gift of prophecy.

Here's an example of her writings, in line with what we just said

“The relation of the physical organism to the spiritual life is one of the most important branches of education.” Ellen G. White, Christ's Object Lessons, p. 348

In regards to how she learned all these things, she said:

“I have had great light from the Lord upon the subject of health reform. I did not seek this light; I did not study to obtain it; it was given to me by the Lord to give to others. ”

(CD 493, from Ms 29, 1897)

Summary of the Adventist Health Principles

• There is a significant link between the physical condition and spiritual experience

• The body, with the mind and its central nervous system, is the only medium through which God can communicate with human beings (MH 130)

• In the act of obeying health principles, the Christian “earns” nothing toward his salvation and eternal life.

• The christian is to live by two great principles: (i) to promote and maintain life and good health and to (ii) do the very best possible in their given circumstance.

• The Body-Temple can be polluted, defiled, and ultimately destroyed through various bad habits

• Ingestion of deleterious food/drink/harmful substances

• Insufficient physical exercise or a lack of the right kind of exercise.

• Overwork - often coupled with insufficient rest/relaxation

• Feeding the mind upon impure thoughts

• Improper posture

• Abuse of body organs by overburdening the stomach / brain

• Not making proper use of natural remedies

• Authentic Christians will strive for mastery and “true temperance”.

• God’s people are to (i) establish health care centres and (ii) promote preventive methods and practices on health

• Whenever possible, attempt to effect physical healing through natural means

• The original Edenic diet of fruits, nuts, grains and vegetables is yet today the preferred diet

• The attitude is as important as the ideas: patience, kindness, courtesy, tact, and discretion must be exercised if the health-reformer is to be truly effective for exercising a positive influence for good.

B. Human's Response

So what can we do from now? What is OUR part in all of this, if God is giving us so much of His wealth?

If we want to prosper we will carefully obey God’s instructions and our “wealth” will be shown and attract others:

“I have been instructed by my guide that not only should those who believe the truth practice health reform but they should also teach it diligently to others; for it will be an agency through which the truth can be presented to the attention of unbelievers. They will reason that if we have such sound ideas in regard to health and temperance, there must be something in our religious belief that is worth investigation.”

(Letter 1, 1875, in Ev 514)

Also, we need to beware of so-called false science or magical solutions to our health problems.

If a scientific discovery seems to go against God's health laws, as Christians we follow Bible first, and then science second - and only if it does not directly contradict the Bible.

A few years ago, I remember when it was advertised from the proverbial rooftops that it was good for you to drink a glass of alcoholic wine per day. The informed Christian would read this information and think: "Hmmmm. I don't think this is accurate". Maybe he or she would be scorned or ladled as ignorant.

However, just over the past couple of years health authorities all over the world have been updating these advices and, today, the British Health Authority already changed their guideline and said: there are not safe levels of alcohol consumptions. Any consumption of alcohol, however small, already contributes to higher probability of developing certain kinds of cancer.

So, time and time again, time seems to confirm that the health instructions given by God through the Bible and through Ellen White remain current and relevant.

Another item to consider is to beware of "false" systems of treatment. These methods of treatment are often based on false premises such as "positive and negative" energy flows or letting go of the control of your mind to others, processes that are not scientifically measurable nor find their validation in Scriptures. These methods of treatment are everywhere - I don't think I need to name them for you. But if you are unsure, we can talk about these things after the sermon.

This is what the Bible say about these therapies, that pretend to be scientific while are modern day practice of divination and witchcraft:

2 Kings 21:6 (NASB95)

He [Ahab, King of Israel] made his son pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and used divination, and dealt with mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the Lordprovoking Him to anger.

Aside from being diligent, continuing to learn and avoiding false treatments. There's something else you can do.

If you already have experience in God-given health practices, I want to encourage you to share your knowledge and your skills with those who don't possess this knowledge yet.

Teach them how to cook healthy foods, invite them to do exercise with you, teach them about scientific and inspired insights on optimal health. Freely you received, freely give back to others.

“Nothing will open doors for the truth like evangelistic medical missionary work. This will find access to hearts and minds, and will be a means of converting many to the truth.”

(Ms. 58, 1901, in Ev 513:1)

If, on the other hand, you're new to all this, I ask you to please find someone that will be willing to disciple you with all of those things. Aside from that, you can enrol yourself in programs such as Live More or CHIP, or any other health program that our church is offering.

Show slide with Wellness app on to be downloaded and another slide with the Conference Health Calendar

And lastly, if you're twisting your nose whenever someone comes to talk about health, I have an appeal for you as well. By the mercies of God, please present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God. For the love of God, of your family, of God's mission: stop delaying your starting a healthier life. Today is the day to start.

Zechariah 8:23 NASB95

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” ’ ”

God’s wisdom is a gift to be practiced and shared. His wealth is to make us the head and not the tail. What will be your response to his amazing GIFT to you today?

Conclusion

We take care of our bodies because this is who we are in Christ.

I will conclude this message by sharing with you a story about Moses.

God called him to lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt into the promised land when he was of the age of 80.

For 40 years he led them through battles, wanders around the desert, major health and political crises.

When Moses was about to die, this is the testimony we have about him:

Deuteronomy 34:7 NASB95

Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated.

But it was said about the Israelites:

“But their unwillingness to submit to the restrictions and requirements of God, prevented them, to a great extent, from reaching the high standard which He desired them to attain, and from receiving the blessings which He was ready to bestow upon them”.

– Patriarchs and prophets, 378

My friend, the best of God's plan is still ahead of you. Will you do your part so that God can use you to build up his kingdom for as long as possible? This question needs to be answered and put in practice starting from today.

Let's pray .

400 Prayers for Preachers A Prayer to Be Cleansed and Healed

O Saviour of the world, God of Gods, light of light, you who are the brightness of your Father’s glory, the express image of his person; you who have destroyed the power of the devil, who have overcome death, “who sits at the right hand of the Father”; you will speedily come down in your Father’s glory to judge all men according to their works. Be my light and my peace; destroy the power of the devil in me, and make me a new creature. You who cast seven devils out of Mary Magdalene, cast out of my heart all corrupt affections. You who raised Lazarus from the dead, raise me from the death of sin. You who cleansed the lepers, healed the sick, and gave sight to the blind, heal the diseases of my soul; open my eyes, and fix them singly on the prize of my high calling, and cleanse my heart from every desire but that of advancing your glory.