“WHOLISTIC HEALTH”

“WHOLISTIC HEALTH”

Monday, July 11th, 2022

SCRIPTURE:

19 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; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

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

THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

As Christ-followers, we are meant to work towards our whole body’s being healthy, from our head to our toes, and everything in between. John Wesley taught us that “wholeness is the well working of the body.” For several years, at the start of the New Year, I would create a one-word New Year’s Resolution. Words and phrases such as Relationships, Vocation, Simplify, Physical Health, Discipline, etc., have encouraged me to consider various aspects of my health over the years. And the summer months, lend itself to being reminded of how I’m doing with whatever resolution I’ve decided upon roughly six months ago.

Many years ago, I was invited to participate in the Duke Clergy Health Initiative, a program to assess and improve the health and well-being of United Methodist clergy here in North Carolina. “Through wellness interventions and behavioral health studies, and other programs and resources, the Duke Clergy Health Initiative underscores the theological reasons for caring for oneself and offers strategies to help pastors develop holistic health practices.”

As part of the several year program, I also participated in what is called the “Spirited Life Wellness” check. They propose that there are seven areas of our health that we ought to be aware of and intentionally focus upon improving: Vocational Health, Emotional Health, Physical Health, Financial Health, Social Health, Intellectual Health, and Spiritual Health being of utmost importance at the center.

Since becoming a pastor, I’ve never seen a more thorough application to our health. As clergy, it’s so important for each of us to consider our own health, particularly as we have been called to care for, nurture, and shepherd our flocks. I can remember hearing my mother say to me years ago that if I was sick or if I didn’t take care of myself, i wouldn’t be able to take care of my family, much less, anybody else. It’s important that we are intentional about our own health. We must make time for regular doctor appointments and check-ups, take our regularly scheduled days off each week, find time for sabbath rest and renewal on a consistent basis, speak with a financial advisor at least once a year, meet with a professional counselor to check in on your emotional health, schedule an appointment with a spiritual director, exercise regularly, etc. Again if we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we take care of others?

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:

How about you? When is the last time you thought about taking care of YOU? Often times, we are so focused on the health of our parishioners; visiting them when they are sick, praying for them when they have an upcoming surgery, counseling them when they are going through a rough time, encouraging them to stay healthy, etc. But how often do we take our own advice with great intention? When’s the last time you spoke with your counselor? When’s the last time you had a well-check, and are you on track with your regular exams? When’s the last time you scheduled and took a vacation and unplugged from all things related to your “job”? Are you being intentional about your own continuing education and living into the specifics of your call to ministry and vocation? This week, pause and reflect upon these questions, and consider YOUR OWN health.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for this glorious and wondrous calling into ministry. I know you have called me and set me apart to care for others. Forgive me for not taking better care of myself. Reveal to me, O Lord, those areas in my life that aren’t healthy. Show me some specific next steps that I can take to becoming more healthy. I want to glorify You with my whole being. Renew my strength and grant me courage to focus on my own health whereas I may be able to better serve those you’ve called me to serve. I humbly offer this prayer in the name of Jesus. – AMEN

RESOURCE & APPLICATION

This week, read through the Spirited Life Resource Guide that I’ve posted on our website. I hope this resource is as helpful for you as it has been for me. May God be glorified in and through each of us.

Click Here for the Resource: Spirited Life Resource Guide