“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
I Timothy 4:8
Big Business
When we are challenged to be “fit” or engage in a “fitness” program, our minds most often turn to physical fitness. Physical fitness is a multi-billion-dollar industry and a significant part of our economy.
Most people are aware of the need to be physically fit, but according to recent studies…few Americans achieve the recommended activity levels on a weekly basis needed for progressive health benefits.
True Wellness
As the scripture from I Timothy 4:8 states, physical fitness has value but there is much more to achieving true “wellness.” To enjoy true “wellness,” we need a good balance in the 7 Dimensions of Wellness.
Physical Wellness – Confidence about your ability to protect your physical health.
Emotional Wellness – Understand your own feelings, accept your own limitations, and achieve emotional stability.
Mental (Intellectual) Wellness – Engaging your mind and applying what you learn, respecting differing opinions.
Social Wellness – Ability to reach out to others and maintain close relationships.
Environmental Wellness – Taking action to protect God’s creation.
Occupational Wellness – Having a job that provides rewards, having meaningful collaboration with coworkers.
Spiritual Wellness – Having a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
The Most Important Dimension
As Christians, I hope it is easy to see which of the 7 Dimensions is the most important! You may excel in most and miss the most important dimension of all...your spiritual wellness.
There are many points to be made as to why the spiritual dimension is the most important, but ultimately it determines your destiny.
Having the assurance of an eternity in heaven completes all the other dimensions. Your physical, emotional, mental, social, environmental, and occupational wellness will be improved in direct correlation to your spiritual wellness. Assurance of your destiny can relieve stress, improve your relationships with everyone around you and allow you to live with intentionality.
As Paul declares in I Timothy 4:8 “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
Jeff Riddle
MD5 Facilitator
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