LIFE AND Health, “…Do All to the Glory of God.”

In 1 Corinthians 10:31, the Apostle Paul admonishes the Christian church in Corinth to honor God in all ways of life. He writes: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.

What is life?  Life is a mystery that no man can understand; it is a mysterious miracle given to us by our Creator, Who sustains us moment by moment.  Although we don’t understand it, we believe it is real, for we consciously experience it during each waking moment.  Therefore, if someone tells you that he doesn’t believe in anything that he can’t understand, remind him that he, at the moment of this spurious declaration, is enjoying the marvelous miracle of life which he cannot begin to understand.

Life and health go together.  What is health?  Some have called health the absence of disease.  Others call it the normal function of the human body.  Be that as it may, we will give our last cent to regain lost health and to add moments to our lives.  Consequently, by taking such a position, we declare that life and health are our most valued assets as humans.

When you purchase a new automobile, it comes with an owner’s manual which gives you instruction concerning how to get the best service from the vehicle.  If you choose to ignore the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can expect to have early problems with the car; however, if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, you can expect to enjoy dependable service from that automobile for a long, long time.

In Exodus 20:13, we find the 6th commandment of the Ten Commandments.  It reads, Thou shall not kill (murder.)  You see, if we do anything (eat, drink, or whatsoever) that weakens our bodies, we are contributing to a slow demise of our health and bodies.  Remember, life and health are our most treasured assets given to us by the Potter, our Creator.  When we care for these bodies, we honor Him, for He wants us to be in health and enjoy long life. Third John reads: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Therefore, what are some things that one can do to promote life and health?  Here are a few suggestions:

Man’s original diet consisted of plant-based foods.  (Genesis 1:29.)  I have followed this basic dietary principle for some 62 years, and, praise God, I enjoy an active, full life with no diabetes, no high blood pressure, no known heart disease, normal cholesterol, no obesity, no lung problems, etc.

White sugar can be devastating to one’s immune system, which helps protect our bodies from disease.  “According to a 1973, study done by Loma Linda University, when you eat 100 grams of sugar, about as much sugar as you find in a 1 liter bottle of soda, your white blood cells are 40 percent less effective at killing germs. This can cripple your immune system for up to 5 hours.” “Sugar impacts your white blood cells by competing for space in those cells with Vitamin C. Linus Pauling did research in the 1970’s to find out how the body uses Vitamin C. He discovered that white blood cells need Vitamin C to destroy bacteria and viruses. Sugar and Vitamin C are similar in their chemical structure. When you eat sugar, it directly competes for space in your immune cells with Vitamin C! The more sugar in your system, the less Vitamin C can get into your white blood cells.” (Southern Botanicals.)

The rise in marijuana use in the U.S. is frightening. Though you may have heard otherwise, marijuana can be addictive: Nearly 10% of people who use it become dependent on it. The amount of THC (the mind-altering chemical) in marijuana has gone up in recent years. Most leaves used to contain between 1% and 4% THC. Now most have closer to 7%. Experts worry this might make it easier to become dependent on or addicted to marijuana — and it strengthens many of the drug’s mind-altering effects. Marijuana can also cause more health problems if you have a condition like liver disease, low blood pressure, or diabetes. If you’re a man, heavy use could lower your testosterone levels, and your sperm count and quality. That, in turn, can zap your libido and fertility. Research shows a link between marijuana use and mental health problems like depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, short-term psychosis, and schizophrenia. (From a sermon by Fillmer Hevener, 12-3-16.)

Smoking tobacco is dangerous to your health. Tom Heffernan, Northumbria University, Newcastle and Anna-Marie Marshall, Northumbria University, Newcastle report: “A middle-aged cigarette smoker who has smoked for decades is two to three times more likely to die early than someone similar who has never smoked. Tobacco smoking is well known to be a major risk factor for various cancers, lung and cardiovascular problems, and is also linked to other health problems, such as complications in pregnancy, low sperm count in men, oral problems, and increased likelihood of cataracts.”

Space does not permit an extended discussion of the health dangers and societal costs of alcohol.  However, alcohol is generally considered to be the most abused drug in our culture. This is what one researcher writes:  “… alcohol consumption claims an estimate 88,000 lives each year in the United States, but the cost to society doesn’t end there. The economic impact of heavy drinking is estimated at $249 billion a year, or about $2.05 per drink.” (www.cdc.gov/features/alcoholconsumption/)

I speak to local groups on principles of healthful living without charge. My doctorate (Ed.D.) from the University of Virginia, is in educational instruction. Until next week, may God richly bless you and yours.

Contact: fhevener@oilart.com; (434) 392-6255; www.guthriememorial.org.

©2016 by Fillmer Hevener