There are thousands and thousands of books that are available where the author provides tips and guidance on how to live a healthy life. Pick any topic related to health and there’s probably a book for it – diet, care for the gut, physical activity, sleep, stress management, essential oils, relationship health, etc.
Most of the authors would consider themselves subject matter experts on their respective topics. They may have received advanced degrees in their disciplines or their knowledge may have come from personal experiences or their own research in that area.
I have a few hundred such books on my bookshelves. Most of them are related to the field of faith and health. And most all of them are written from a Christian faith perspective.
I also have perhaps five or six Bibles that are in different translations or versions.
The Bible contains directives and guidelines on how to live life.
“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.” Proverbs 4:20-22
But there is one major difference between the Bible and all other books.
The author of the Bible is with us 24/7. The authors of the various books are not.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-16
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” Psalm 23:1-4
“Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
When we receive Jesus as our personal Savior, He sends His Spirit, the Holy Spirit to be with us – 24/7 for the rest of our lives.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26
The Holy Spirit guides and empowers us to live a life that glorifies God. He also is with us to help us make healthy choices and to give us wisdom on matters of health.
Books written by others contain facts that were complied by the authors, but those authors are not beside you to help you as you encounter life. They are not with you to help you follow their rules for healthy living.
But God, by His Spirit, is!
This is what makes the Bible unique. God not only provides his guidelines for living in the Bible, he comes along side us to enable us to live according to His guidelines.
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Love this! Sometimes when we make plans based on our own effort (even with good-intentions), without God, they are completely futile and doomed to failure.
In the past I have done many diets and failed each time, but I believe God allowed my own failure and frustration to lead me to a new place, one that would require me opening my heart to Him in a fresh way.
Great post. Indeed, when it comes to the why – the reason and motivation for having a healthy lifestyle – the Bible is our faithful guide. However, when it comes to the how – the best foods and exercises – science and evidence-based studies are useful tools. If you were to go to a physician for a sickness, you would want the person to have real medical training Likewise, it is important to look to the background and training of people offering any type of healthy advice. There is a good deal of misinformation out there and much of it comes from people who have great spiritual motives but little practical understanding of how the body works.