For many people today, the pursuit of perfect health is like a religion—with daily rituals involving vitamin pills, herbal potions, special diets, exercise routines and mental mantras for stress reduction. These rituals are followed religiously, yet many devotees are not particularly religious. For the "religiously inclined," however, physical health is often not a high priority—their focus is on spiritual things.
There are, however, biblical guidelines that relate to health. When we carefully consider the life of Jesus Christ, we find that He understood and lived by biblical principles that promote health and prevent disease. If we are determined to follow in His footsteps, we too will strive to live by those same biblical principles of health, because we understand that they are part of true biblical religion. There are important reasons why God gave us health instructions in Scripture—instructions that can benefit everyone today, not just those who call themselves Christians.
The Bible and Health
In the New Testament, the Apostle John greets an elder named Gaius with the salutation: "I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health" (3 John 2). This was not just an idle comment. Jesus Christ and His apostles consistently spoke of Christianity as "a way of life" (see John 14:6; Acts 16:17; 18:26; 1 Corinthians 12:31; 2 Peter 2:15, 21). The Bible plainly states that if we follow the way of life outlined in Scripture, good health will be one of the benefits, but that if we disobey God's instructions, sickness and disease will follow (see Deuteronomy 28). God provided instructions about health in the Bible so that His chosen people could be an example for other nations to follow to achieve good health and avoid the curse of disease (Deuteronomy 4:1–10). The Israelites were told not to forget these divine laws, and to teach them to their children from generation to generation. These laws were not to be viewed as a burden, but as a blessing (Deuteronomy 4:40). As we will see, the biblical laws and instructions about health were clearly included in Jesus' statement that we are to live "by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (compare Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus obeyed the biblical health laws, and He told His disciples to "follow Me" (Matthew 4:18–20). The Apostle Paul instructed New Testament Christians: "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). But what are the biblical laws and instructions that relate to health, and why should we follow them today?
Dietary Instructions
Many have heard of biblical laws that prohibit the consumption of unclean foods—pork, shellfish, and certain other creatures (see Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14)—but few understand the reasons behind these divinely revealed laws. Animals that the Bible labels "unclean" often carry parasites that can be transmitted to people who eat the flesh of these creatures. Pigs, bears, rabbits and squirrels can transmit trichinosis, and pork tapeworms can infect not only human intestines, but also the human brain. Snails, clams, oysters and crayfish also carry and transmit parasitic diseases. One reason meat (and fish) should be cooked is to kill any parasites that might infect human beings. The laws about unclean meats were not given to the Israelites just to keep them separate from their neighbors—those laws have definite health benefits, and the benefits did not disappear after Jesus was crucified! Ignoring these laws still has consequences today, including the increased risk of contracting parasitic diseases. Eating sushi (raw fish) may be a trendy fad today, but it also carries a risk of infection. Some wrongly cite certain New Testament passages—Matthew 15, Mark 7 and Acts 10—as if they abolished the dietary laws regarding meats, but in fact these passages do not even address the subject of unclean meats. Unclean foods that spread diseases in ancient times still cause the same diseases today—even for those who believe that the biblical dietary laws are no longer relevant!
However, instructions about clean and unclean meats are not the only biblical guidelines that relate to diet. The Bible also states that we should not eat fat or blood (Leviticus 3:16; 7:23–27). Meat should be trimmed of excess fat before it is consumed, and fatty cuts of meat—such as bacon and various types of processed packaged meats, which are often high in fat—should be avoided. One key benefit of these prohibitions is that high-fat diets have been found to contribute to heart disease, strokes and several types of cancer (colon, breast and uterine). Diets that are high in fat are also high in calories, and contribute to obesity. Obesity among adults and children is a growing scourge in our modern world. Oils and many salad dressings can also be a major source of fat and calories, and thus should be used in moderation, following the biblical principle of not consuming fat. Meat products such as blood (black) sausage, and cultural practices of mixing blood and milk ought to be avoided because blood can carry various pathological organisms (bacteria, viruses and parasites). The biblical prohibitions against consuming fat and blood are relevant today, just as they were 4,000 years ago—they have not ceased to have a protective value. They still promote health and prevent disease.
The Bible also provides instructions about the consumption of carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, bread and sugars. Regarding sugar-containing foods, the Bible states: "Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit… It is not good to eat much honey" (Proverbs 25:16, 27). Honey and other simple sugars are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, where they elevate blood sugar levels, causing the pancreas to release insulin to bring blood sugar levels back to normal. Diets that are high in sugars put stress on the pancreas, and over time can lead to diabetes and other medical complications. Eating foods made with much sugar results in consuming many excess calories, which leads to obesity. Obesity is increasing today all over the world, as processed, sweetened foods are replacing fruits, vegetables and whole grains. There are consequences for ignoring these simple, yet basic biblical guidelines.
A biblical recipe for bread provides another glimpse into how practical and up-to-date the Bible instructions about health actually are. Ezekiel was instructed to make a loaf of bread out of wheat, barley, beans, lentils and spelt (Ezekiel 4:9). This was a multigrain bread that contained several types of fiber. Fiber is contained in complex carbohydrates. Modern research has shown that high-fiber diets— diets high in complex carbohydrates—reduce blood cholesterol and help eliminate noxious chemical substances from the body. High fiber diets are lower in calories, and help prevent overweight and obesity, thus reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and various types of cancer. Natural fruits, whole grains and most vegetables contain significant amounts of fiber. Many do not realize that French-fried potatoes and potato chips absorb large amounts of fat when they are manufactured, rendering these products much less healthful than raw or cooked potatoes. Here again, there is nothing old-fashioned or outdated about biblical guidelines regarding the consumption of carbohydrates. We should eat fewer simple (refined and pre-packaged) sugars and more complex carbohydrates (fiber-containing whole foods). If we ignore these guidelines, we will experience negative consequences that contribute to disease.
It has long been said that "we are what we eat." Today, many people are digging their own graves with their forks and spoons. God gave human beings biblical guidelines for the purpose of preventing disease and promoting health. The biblical instructions about health promote a way of life—not a search for some secret ingredient or magic cure. Those who truly believe that they should walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, and really live by every word of God, will strive to follow these fundamental biblical guidelines about diet.
No Longer Drink Only Water…
Many people in the world fall to one of two extremes when the subject of alcohol is raised. Some recognize the evils of drunkenness and debauchery, and believe that alcohol should be shunned. Others, however, see that the Bible encourages the use of alcohol, but then use it—and abuse it—to excess.
In fact, while the Bible condemns the abuse of alcohol (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:19–21), it actually recommends the use of alcohol in moderation. Paul advised that Timothy "no longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and for your frequent infirmities" (1 Timothy 5:23). Modern research has shown that elderly people who consume a glass of wine with their meals are able to digest their food better, because the wine helps create an acid environment in the stomach, which aids digestive enzymes. Other studies have shown that moderate consumption of alcohol—a glass of wine a day—also helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and may even help prevent Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, possibly because of the blood-thinning and cholesterol- lowering properties of alcohol. Properly used, alcohol can for most people be a helpful aid to health.
However, alcohol is no substitute for water—a nutrient the body needs. The Bible is full of positive references to water (Genesis 2:10; John 7:38; Revelation 22:1). Most people need 6–8 glasses of water a day to replace what is lost through perspiration and elimination. Water performs many important functions in the body—it is used in the digestion of foods, the transport of nutrients and the elimination of waste products. Failing to ingest adequate amounts of water leads to weakness, headaches and dehydration—and can even be fatal. Controversies exist as to whether one should drink distilled or mineralized water. While water can contain pollutants that we should try to avoid, the Bible does not indicate that drinking water must come from a distilled source. The Bible reveals that drinking water was obtained from wells and rivers— and from cisterns, which were made of pottery or carved out of rock (Proverbs 5:15; John 4:6–7). This water would contain minerals. There is no indication in the Bible that distilled water is the perfect drink for human beings.
Exercise and Stress Management
Some wrongly assume that concerns about physical health are not important to the Christian life, because Paul told Timothy that "bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things" (1 Timothy 4:8). In fact, in this verse, Paul stated a truth about two different issues. Modern science has shown that exercise and physical activity are absolutely essential for maintaining a healthy body, yet these benefits are only temporary. Spiritual issues are, of course, of the ultimate importance—but this does not minimize the importance of engaging in enough physical activity to stay healthy. Exercise burns off calories, and is important in maintaining normal weight. Regular exercise is important in order for the muscular, skeletal and lymphatic systems of the body to function properly. Exercise also produces endorphins, which are like natural tranquilizers that aid relaxation.
Jesus understood the value of physical activity. He chose to come to this earth as a carpenter. Carpentry in the days before power tools was a physically strenuous profession. Jesus also traveled from Nazareth to Jerusalem at least three times a year to attend the festivals (see Luke 2:41; John 7:1–10). The distance from Nazareth to Jerusalem is more than 75 miles. Just to observe the Holy Days, Jesus would have traveled about 500 miles each year—which averages out to more than a mile a day. Jesus walked regularly and lived a physically active lifestyle. Consider that Jesus said to His disciples: "Follow Me." If we literally follow Christ's example, we will be physically active, and our health will also improve.
Some may assume that stress is exclusively a product of modern civilization. However, the Bible thousands of years ago addressed the subject of managing stress. Stress can cause tension, headaches and loss of sleep. It can depress our immune systems, spawn various diseases and lead to depression. Jesus took this into consideration when He instructed His disciples: "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while" (Mark 6:31). He gave this advice after they had returned from a strenuous preaching mission and learned that John the Baptist had been beheaded. Jesus gave practical advice to help relieve the effects of stress. David also seems to have understood the soothing effects that come from contact with nature. He wrote: "The Lord… makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul" (Psalm 23:1–3). Modern research has confirmed that hospitalized patients recover sooner if they can have a view of water, flowers and trees instead of looking at four walls or concrete buildings. God made us so that we would benefit from contact with His creation—the natural world. The Bible and modern research reveal that there is a restorative power in our contact with God's creation, which can help us deal with the stress of modern life. If we are serious about walking in the footsteps of Christ, we must learn to use these same biblical principles to manage stress in our lives—because stress can be fatal.
High Risk Behaviors
Today, increasing numbers of people who claim to be Christians also feel that it is permissible to have sex outside of marriage—or even to co-habit with someone with whom they are "in love." Many consider biblical prohibitions against adultery and fornication old-fashioned and outdated, as they limit one's personal freedom. However, the Bible condemns pre-marital and extra-marital sex in very strong terms (see Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 22:13–22; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10). Not only do fornication and adultery destroy marriages and cause mental anguish and suffering in families, but sexually active lifestyles also put a person at risk for contracting sexually transmissible diseases—including HIV/AIDS. Two thousand years ago, the Corinthians lived in an extremely promiscuous society, where prostitution was part of the city's pagan religion. Paul advised Christians in Corinth: "Flee sexual immorality… he [or she] who commits sexual immorality sins against his [or her] own body" (1 Corinthians 6:18). Solomon's writings echo Paul's advice, warning that one who commits fornication or adultery "lacks understanding" of the consequences that lie ahead, which will cause the sinner to "mourn at last, when your flesh and body are consumed" by disease (see Proverbs 5, 6 and 7). Many people today have been duped into believing that they can ignore these biblical instructions and can take risks, yet can avoid unpleasant—and often horrible— consequences. Choosing a sexually active lifestyle, or choosing to experiment with drugs, is like playing Russian roulette with a fully loaded gun—there will be consequences! Those consequences can be avoided if we follow basic and timeless biblical instructions.
Religion and Health
But what do these biblical guidelines about health have to do with Christianity? If we are "under grace" and our ultimate goals are spiritual, why do we need to worry about obeying physical laws of health? Simply put, the Bible states that "sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4, KJV). The Bible also reveals that sickness is one of the consequences of sin, and that health is the product of obeying the physical and spiritual laws of God (Luke 5:18–20; Deuteronomy 28). The Apostle Paul made another important connection between physical and spiritual laws. He wrote that Christians are to "glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Paul meant that our bodies do not belong to us. They belong to God, and we are to use them properly. True Christians who take these biblical instructions seriously will not pursue dietary habits that violate biblical instructions; they will avoid eating large amounts of high-fat, high-calorie foods, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or running their bodies into the ground. They will not engage in promiscuous sexual activity—nor will they smoke, take drugs or participate in other high-risk activities—because they are determined not to sin against their own bodies. They will strive to care for their bodies, and will guard their health in order to glorify God. Such Christians will learn to eat sensibly, exercise regularly and manage stress so they can live healthy and productive lives and be a positive example to others. True Christianity involves taking care of the body that God has given us.
True Christians understand that they have been called to learn to live "by every word of God," and that if they grow in the knowledge of God and His way of life (2 Peter 3:18), they will have the opportunity in the coming Kingdom of God to teach others how to live a truly godly way of life (Isaiah 30:20–21). This is a vital reason for learning how to follow the biblical instructions about health. We have been called now to prepare to rule with Christ in the Kingdom of God. We will be dealing with physical people who will need to be taught how to live. We will have the opportunity to show the peoples of this world the way to a better, healthier and more rewarding way of life. We should practice that way now—and guard our health religiously!