We live in a world where there is an emphasis on the physical. Everything seems to revolve around our bodies. Just check your monthly budget and see how much of your income you spend on your body. Who can go through life without enjoying the pleasure of a good meal? And even when you try to control your appetite to prevent putting on weight, it becomes a costly business. There are the clothing items we put on our bodies. And there are the cosmetics we use to keep ourselves looking good, smelling good and feeling good.
But what if the body becomes less efficient and starts to show bad health? Research is carried out continually to find out what it is in the food we eat or the environment we live in, that causes our bodies to fall prone to sickness and disease. We blame the food we eat, the additives in the food, pollution in the environment, germs and viruses, the climate, and a host of other things for our poor state of health.
But this verse tells us what the real source of good health is. You see, it is often not what you eat that causes your problems, but what is eating you. When you allow negative emotions and sinful attitudes into your heart, you block the true source of health. Medicine cannot heal. It simply helps the body to do what it does best - heal itself.
What causes the body to die? Is it not when the spirit of man leaves? If that is the case, then it is the presence of the spirit that causes and maintains life. Doesn't it make sense then to spend more time, effort and money on strengthening your spirit, than strengthening your body? Try feeding and exercising your spirit more and your body will automatically be affected. But the converse does not apply.
