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3 John 1:2 - Wholly Fit in Body, Mind and Spirit.

3 John 1:2 (NKJV) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

INTRODUCTION

John was concerned for Gaius's physical and spiritual well-being. This was the opposite of the popular heresy that taught the separation of spirit and matter and despised the physical side of life. Today, many people still fall into this way of thinking. This non-Christian attitude logically leads to one of two responses: neglect of the body and physical health, or indulgence of the body's sinful desires. God is concerned for both your body and your soul. As a responsible Christian, you should neither neglect nor indulge yourself but care for your physical needs and discipline your body so that you are at your best for God's service. [Life Application SB]

COMMENTARY PEARL

   He's been called the fittest old-age pensioner. He began bodybuilding at the age of 87 and sprinting at the age of 95. He then broke two world records and three British records in different sprinting events. That's impressive for someone who began life with a string of debilitating illnesses: scarlet fever, whooping cough, mumps, chicken pox, measles, tonsillitis, and German measles. On April 26, 2017, Charles Eugster died at the age of 97.
   The apostle John understood the connection between body and soul, which is why he desired his readers to "be in health" - physically as well as spiritually. We Christians often overlook this connection. While many of us understand that "a broken spirit dries the bones" (Pro. 17:22), we fail to see how dry bones can lead to a broken spirit. Notice the sequence the apostle Paul gives in Rom. 12: First, he urges us to "present [our] bodies a living sacrifice ... to God" (v. 1). Then, he says to "be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind" (v. 2). Such transformation, he says in 1Th. 5:23, should involve the "whole" person - "spirit, soul, and body."
   Just as God is the One who "forgives all [our] iniquities." He is the One who "heals all [our] diseases" (Psa. 103:2). Every Time Our Bodies Recover From An Illness, Divine Power Is Working Through Nature's Laws. However, God's Ability To Work Through Those Laws Is Affected By Diet And Exercise - Just As His Ability To Transform Our Minds Is Affected By Eating His Word (Mat. 4:4) And Sweating In Prayer (Eph. 6:18).
   Do you want to be wholly fit? Claim today's promise by yielding your body to God so "you may prosper ... and be in health."
   Heavenly Father, I am grateful for the promise of healing. Help me to cooperate with Your laws so that I can experience true wholeness. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

COMMENTARY

   Our work is to be practical. We are to remember that man has a body as well as a soul to save. Our work includes far more than standing before the people to preach to them. In our work we are to minister to the physical infirmities of those with whom we are brought in contact. We are to present the principles of health reform, impressing our hearers with the thought that they have a part to act in keeping themselves in health.
   The body must be kept in a healthy condition in order that the soul may be in health. The condition of the body affects the condition of the soul. He who would have physical and spiritual strength must educate his appetite in right lines. He must be careful not to burden the soul by overtaxing his physical or spiritual powers. Faithful adherence to right principles in eating, drinking, and dressing is a duty that God has laid upon human beings.
   The Lord desires us to obey the laws of health and life. He holds each one responsible to care properly for his body, that it may be kept in health.
   The principles of health reform are found in the Word of God. The gospel of health is to be firmly linked with the ministry of the Word. It is the Lord's design that the restoring influence of health reform shall be a part of the last great effort to proclaim the gospel message.
   As a people we have been given the work of making known the principles of health reform. There are some who think that the question of diet is not of sufficient importance to be included in their evangelistic work. But such make a great mistake. God's Word declares, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31. The subject of temperance, in all its bearings, has an important place in the work of salvation. Ev260-262

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

3 John 1:2 - Peace in Body, Mind and Spirit.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230210-1022.html

1 Corinthians 10:31 - Maxim for Living.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230119-0906.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/