Inspire, Fall 1993

ANews Publication for Cedarville College Alumni Wellne~~­ The Biblit;al Per~pedive by Dr. Richard K. Smith, D.O. P reventative medicine is a popular theme in health care. A diverse group of health care interests proclaim the importance of well ness to the American citizen. Currently, preventative medicine plays a major role in the health care debate on Capitol Hill. Shou ld Bible-believing Christians be involved in preventative medicine? More properly, the que tion should be, how can Christians app ly biblical principles on healthy living in order to be an example and testimony to the lost world? As a practicing family physician in the 1990's. I am acutely aware that God's Word must be our source Book for health. I Corinthians 6:19 states, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you. which ye have of God, and ye are not your own'7" The writer of Proverbs also implores, ''My son, attend to my words; incline thine heart unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh" (Proverbs 4:20- 2 1). We believers should set the standard for the world in the area of healthy living. The Bible is replete with principles concerning mental and physical health. lt covers areas such as diet, personal hygiene, c ircumcision, and chi ld-bearing. God 's peop le should establish a higher standard than the world 's health system and reject humanistic health philosophies. Much of medical practice today involves caring for people who are reaping illness from years of sowing unhealthy habits. These habits are really addictions to alcohol, nicotine, food, and immorality. A significant percentage of illnesses are also triggered by problems in the soul-gui lt, bitterness, worry, greed, and lust. As Christians, we must look to God's Word to avoid these unhealthy habits and greatly reduce our risks of common diseases. If we disregard God's instructions, our lives, in I Dr. Richard Smith '80 currently has a famjly medical practice in the village of CedaNille and seNee as a staff physician for CedaNille College. This features Dr. Alumni 6. many instances, bring reproach to the name of Christ. God is looking for disciplined, committed men and women through whom He can show Himself strong. I would challenge believers to learn how to make wise decisions about the health of their fami lies and also to understand the vital role of the local church in those decisions. There is a strong scriptural basis for involving the local church in medical deci. ions. God directs us in James 5: 14, "Is there any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church ..." Yes, Christians should be involved in preventative medicine. In fact, we should set the standard, disciplining our lives in the areas of diet, exercise, and proper rest. We must also exercise spiritual purity, taking care to deal with any bitterness, temporal values, or immorality. The resulting wellness. by God 's grace, will allow us to serve Him effectively.