God’s Owner’s Manual for Your Body
By Rick Warren
“Keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.” Proverbs 3:1-2 (NIV)
If I had a pill that promised to add years to your life, you’d probably pay a lot of money for it. But what if I told you that, as a Christian, you already have the key to help you live a long, healthy life—and that it’s free?
God has given you all the principles for health management in his Word, the Bible. The Bible is the owner’s manual for your body. As David says, “You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws” (Psalm 119:73 TLB). Deuteronomy 32:47 says, “These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land . . .” (NLT).
God, in effect, says, “If you do what I tell you to do with your health, you’ll be more likely to enjoy a long life.”
Proverbs teaches, “Keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life” (Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV).
What are some of those commands? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing” (Proverbs 3:5-10 NIV).
These verses highlight some factors that you probably don’t think about but that will keep you healthy: tranquility, integrity, humility, and generosity. These things will cause your health to be better—because your physical health is influenced by your spiritual health.
Let’s look again at the first part of that passage: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5 NIV).
Trusting in God is good for your health. When you trust him, your worry and stress decrease.
The Bible says in Proverbs 14:30, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (NIV). You can have all the right macrobiotics and organic food, but if your body is filled with resentment, worry, fear, lust, guilt, anger, bitterness, or any other emotional disease, it’s going to shorten your life.
When it comes to your spiritual and physical health, you have a choice: To go your own way or to trust God.
This week, take care of your body in the ways you know you should: Eat well, exercise, and get enough rest. But remember that your physical and spiritual health are intertwined—so don’t neglect your spirit! Follow the principles of God’s Word so you can grow in trust, tranquility, integrity, humility, and generosity.
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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