I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health. 3rd John, verse 2
John began his short letter to Gaius with a simple prayer for him to be in good health.
How we all wish for this. It has been said that through stressful working years, some have ruined their health in search of riches only to find themselves later in life willing to spend all they have to recapture good health.
If you have your health, you should be very thankful. As the commercial says, it is priceless.
An aged gentleman recently gave the following advice. He said, “You might live a long life, or you might live a short one. But either way, trust me when I say that you’re going to wish you took better care of yourself in your youth.”
Recently I enjoyed a conversation with a friend who is 84 years old and in failing health. This older gentleman and his friends are still very involved in business and in the community. They all range in age from 84 to 87. They are all very active. When he found out my age (presently 60) he called me a youngster! I don’t get called that very often.
In our conversation, he made what I thought was a profound observation. He said, “Stay involved, stay active, stay connected to people. I am going to give you a big word of advice: socialization.” According to him, the second most important thing one can do is stay involved and stay connected with people. His advice is backed up by research. One of the preventative measures to take against Alzheimer’s disease is to remain socially active. He said the alternative is to go home, sit on the front porch, and die.
The Scriptures extol the value in staying connected socially. Luke 2:52 clearly identifies developing socially as one of the 4 primary areas of growth. Here it is said of Jesus, He increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with GOD and men. The wise man Solomon gave similar advice in Proverbs 3:4 when he wrote, find favor and high esteem in the sight of GOD and man.
Since my older friend said this was the second most important thing one could do for good health, I naturally wondered what he considered the most important thing. He told me later in the conversation and it also is exactly consistent with the medical field.
My friend said, “The number one thing or the most important health decision you make is what you put on your fork.”
A fascinating study of health and food is the Old Testament delineations of clean and unclean meats. The 11th chapter of the book of Leviticus gives detailed instructions as to what meats were permissible to eat. Only in our modern times do we fully appreciate the health value in those restrictions. For example, the children of Israel were forbidden to eat swine, aka pork. We now know of the parasites in pork that are potentially deadly if the meat is not cooked properly. This was not an issue for the children of Israel during the Old Testament times, since the eating of that meat was forbidden. We are no longer under the Law of Moses and according to Acts 10 those restrictions are no longer binding on us. But we are now aware of the need to cook certain foods to an acceptable temperature.
The lesson is clear. What we eat is important to our health. And we are social creatures and would do well to remain socially active.
If you read my blogs, I count you a friend. And as such, as John wished for his friend Gaius, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health.