In today’s modern American culture, we can all say that our health has divided up into two main buckets. Physical health and Mental health. Going on a hike and hurting your leg, catching a bug from traveling abroad, or not eating healthy, are all things that can lead to issues. They can all lead to things that put your physical health at risk.
In another scenario, working long hours, dealing with yelling kids, and road rage can be taxing mentally. These negative experiences can end up making you feel undervalued or overwhelmed. Ultimately this negatively affects your mental health.
Now, although it is great to care for physical and mental health it does not stop there. The third most important facet of our wellbeing is a great priority. Your spiritual health.
What is the meaning of spiritual health?
Spiritual health is recognizing the soul component of your inner being. Your soul is the entity that lives within your humanly body and is the motor which connects to your creator. Spiritual health recognizes that there is more than what we experience within the physical world. Spiritual health also considers the inner depth of our being that exists outside the boundaries of time and space. Our spiritual being houses life or in many cases even death.
In mainstream discussions, spiritual health is less common because it requires acknowledging God, the Bible, and other spiritual entities. These other gods and entities are equally as spiritual as God and Jesus. However, outside of the mainstream, it’s important as believers to understand how important spiritual health is.
How does the mainstream view spiritual health?
Although as a believer, we may find refuge and hope in the teachings anchored in Jesus, the mainstream does not hold the same perspective of spiritual health. We can assume that this significant reason contributes to the lack of emphasis on spiritual health in any major, widespread conversation.
However, even then we see that people and professionals, still recognize that spiritual health and wellness does hold a significant value to a person’s overall wellbeing and state of being.
In April of 2018, the National Institute of Health (NIH), published a study that they worked on titled, “Explanatory definition of the concept of spiritual health: and qualitative study in Iran” where they conclude that spiritual health could best be grouped with four main buckets of a being.
- Connection to God
- An individuals relationship with themselves
- Relationship with nature and the materialistic world
- And finally, a person’s connection to other people
These four pillars give a person indicators on how their spirituality is affecting other aspects of their lives like their physical health and mental health but does not necessarily define their spiritual health. In the NIH study, they point to spiritual health being rooted in a greater purpose where these four buckets are interconnected but they don’t have an absolute definition.
On a similar note, Juara, a digital publication, acknowledges spiritual health as a care that encompasses a person’s purpose, values, beliefs, and connects them to a something greater to yourself. They even go as far as saying that spiritual health can lead to inner peace and the three practical ways they highlight as a means to achieve this is by connecting to something greater, mindfulness, and focus on community.
What Did Jesus say about Spiritual Health?
During a season when I felt unfulfilled in my purpose in life, I recall calling out to God. I remember praying and playing worship music to soothe my soul. After I finally read the gospels, one of the verses that made my inner hole make sense were these words from Jesus,
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
Matthew 4:4
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
After reading this it hit me at my core. No matter how many healthy meals I eat, or how many times I express my feelings or go on nature walks to help my mental health, there is more to my being, and it’s needs- the word of God.
Jesus was making it clear to his followers that God and his words, his way of life, is a necessary piece for our existence and our living.
Jesus highlights the importance of our spiritual several times throughout the gospels and he points back to himself as our way to life and healthy well-being.
He also said,
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Matthew 10:28
Jesus makes a clear distinction on the levels of importance that the soul has over the body. He not only emphasis to a heart posture of being in reverence to the Lord, but ultimately, he makes this distinction because he recognizes that the flesh is temporary, but the souls care is eternal.
Is there a right way to take care of your spiritual health?
When we think about our physical health all humans have the same basic needs in order to be healthy. We all need to drink water, exercise daily, and eat healthy. There are different ways of achieving these basic needs, but the end results to this formula are always the same- good health.
Similarly, spiritual health has an objective formula for good standing spiritual well-being. Our connection to God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, are the three important functions to achieving good spiritual health and well-being.
As humans we all have a soul, and the boundless borders of the spirit realm are not exclusive to some people and not others. Whether we can see it, feel it, or not, the spirit realm works outside of our understanding but if you are able to connect to it you are able to discern and perceive it for how it can function correctly.
After all, as Christians and followers of Jesus, we know that there are moral truths that are rooted in God and his word. His word alone, is evidence of the objective truth that he has granted us. Jesus is the root of our recipe to eternal goodness and healthy spiritual well-being. There are objectives rights and objective wrongs.
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.
John 14:6
Jesus makes it known that he is the way, he is the TRUTH.
Understanding spiritual gifts and consequences outside of good spiritual health
We want to give an introduction into the positives of spiritual health (gifts). At the same time there are difficulties that we also need to address (spiritual warfare).
When we are in tune and have formed a relationship with Jesus, he makes us part of his kingdom. As members of the body of Christ, he has given us all specific functions and a purpose to fulfill. This is ultimately our purpose while we are here on the earth.
4 For as in one body we have many members,[e] and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads,[f] with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12: 4-8
We all have different purpose but none is less than another and they are all working towards the same goal driven by the holy spirit.
Some have the gift of serving, other might be leaders, and others might have prophetic words or dreams (among many). When you connect with your spiritual health God will reveal this to you.
Spiritual Warfare
Now, although in our spiritual lives we are able to enjoy the gift, blessings, and bear good fruit (as we have previously mentioned in our blog) we also know that there are spiritual forces that want to work against the perfect will of God.
for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
This is not to cause fear, but instead it is to empower and prepare us so we have the right tools. These tools help us to come up against the forces that are working against us. As believers we are not exempt against spiritual warfare. However, it becomes easier when we have a good and strong relationship with Jesus.
you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:4
Overcoming Spiritual warfare
God and the forces of love will always be greater and mightier than the evil and wicked ways. While the world and satan is rooted in darkness, God is rooted in light and life.
At the same time, we know that God has given us the tools that help us overcome temptation and hardship. Maintaining a good spiritual health helps us through all the struggles that we may go through. God is always faithful in never leaving us and he equips us with what we need.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
As believers, how we live should be rooted in our Spiritual health. Despite spiritual health being the least discussed & often perceived as difficult to define, it remains at the center. Even though the mainstream discourse will never make it a priority, we know it guides all of our actions.
Closing thoughts
We know that life will not be perfect but when you prioritize God, his spirit, and his goodness you will experience his fruit. Those road rage moments, or any difficulties that you may experience will not bring down your spirit. Instead, you will feel his unexplainable peace. The peace that surpasses all understanding.
How do you take care of your spiritual health and well-being?
We would love to know how you take care of your spiritual health. We also want to know what your overall thoughts are on this topic.
Do you have interest in learning more about spirituality, spiritual warfare and how to grow strong in your spiritual gifts?
Leave us a comment down below and let us know! Or send us a private message so we can connect further on this topic.
