Journey to Jerusalem A HEALTHY BODY FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN US March 16, 2006

In 1949 as a junior medical student I was struggling to learn about health, disease, good habits and how to be a doctor.   One evening in a discussion about motivations for a healthy body, my wife introduced me to this scriptural passage.   In retrospect my biblical illiteracy was appalling but the thought that the Holy Spirit could actually reside in us did attract my attention.   As the years have passed and my biblical studies have progressed I have become more aware that our faith should be a powerful imperative to adopt healthy habits and lifestyle in honor of our indwelling Spirit.

My Catholic training as a child always imposed some type of fasting and penitence during Lent in preparation for Good Friday and glorious Easter.   We Disciples do not emphasize fasting as a discipline for Lent, but the cited passage above should motivate us to pause, reflect and plan ways in which we can honor God with our bodies during this Lenten season.   Cessation of smoking, dieting to reduce our weight to a healthier level, exercising, and limiting our use of wine or spirits are ways that I see, as a Physician, we can honor our Lord.

In his book, The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, R.A. Torrey writes, “What a thought it gives of the hallowedness and sacredness of the body to think of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.   How considerately we ought to treat these bodies and how sensitively we ought to shun everything that would defile them.”

Father in heaven we are thankful for the gift of our bodies, marvelously complex, and endowed with ability to think about you, pray with words and worship you our creator; we pray for the grace to honor you with attention to healthy habits during this Lenten season and forever.   Amen

John A. Blaschke, M.D.
Crown Heights Christian Church
Oklahoma City

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