Thursday Ask Dr. Walt – The Bible and Physical Health

Dear Dr. Walt, Jesus says only the sick need a doctor (Mark 2:17). Does the Bible say much about healthy living? Theologically Growing in Tennessee

Dear Young in the Scriptures,

I tell my patients that the Bible teaches that it is our sacred duty to be proactive about our self-care. God considers the human body, which He designed, to be His temple. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The Apostle John added, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 1:2).

Also, the physician Luke, writing about the pre-teen Jesus, said, “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52. See also, Luke 2:40). In other words, he developed emotionally/mentally, physically, spiritually, and relationally. I call these “the four wheels of health.”

When it comes to your physical health wheel, here are my Ten Commandments of Preventive Medicine to help your “temple of the Holy Spirit” to live long and well. I could identify several more tips related to preventing disease, but these provide an excellent start.

Avoid or reduce obesity.
Exercise regularly.
Consume a high-quality, primarily-plant-based, whole-food, nutrient-dense diet
Be careful with alcohol.
Stay away from tobacco.
Reduce unnecessary stress and pursue spiritual disciplines.
Pursue sexual purity and keep sexual activity inside of monogamous marriage.
Protect your dental health.
Use automobile safety devices and install and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
See your family physician for regular preventive maintenance and care.

I have more details in two of my books: