Religion and Health
[
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 13, 14
(1890).]
The view held by some that spirituality is a detriment to health,
is the sophistry of Satan. The religion of the Bible is not detrimental
to the health of either body or mind. The influence of the Spirit
of God is the very best medicine for disease. Heaven is all health;
and the more deeply heavenly influences are realized, the more sure
will be the recovery of the believing invalid. The true principles
of Christianity open before all a source of inestimable happiness.
Religion is a continual wellspring, from which the Christian can drink
at will and never exhaust the fountain.
The relation which exists between the mind and the body is very
intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition
of the mind affects the health of the physical system. If the mind is
free and happy, from a consciousness of rightdoing and a sense of
satisfaction in causing happiness to others, it creates a cheerfulness
that will react upon the whole system, causing a freer circulation of
the blood and a toning up of the entire body. The blessing of God is a
healing power, and those who are abundant in benefiting others will
realize that wondrous blessing in both heart and life.
When men who have indulged in wrong habits and sinful practices
yield to the power of divine truth, the application of that truth to the
heart revives the moral powers, which had seemed to be paralyzed.
The receiver possesses stronger, clearer understanding than before he
riveted his soul to the eternal Rock. Even his physical health improves
by the realization of his security in Christ. The special blessing of God
[29]
resting upon the receiver is of itself health and strength.
Those who walk in the path of wisdom and holiness find that
“godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that
now is, and of that which is to come.”
1 Timothy 4:8
. They are alive
to the enjoyment of life’s real pleasures, and are not troubled with
vain regrets over misspent hours, nor with gloomy forebodings, as the
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