A Biblical Perspective on Staying Young
In Genesis 1:29 the Bible tells how God made provisions for man’s food. “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” In the Garden of Eden God gave permission to eat of every tree in the garden except of course for the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). During this time man lived to be hundreds of years old. Adam was 930 years old at the time of his death (Genesis 5:5). So in these times man was sustained by herbs and fruits. Sadly due to the wickedness of mankind God promised His spirit would not always strive with man and his days would be numbered a hundred and twenty years (Genesis 6:3).
According to the National Vital Statistics Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2003 the average life expectancy for Americans was 77.6 years. And this is actually a record high. We should ask ourselves what has changed from the time of Genesis 6:3 to today? God promised each of us 120 years yet sadly so many people have deteriorating health even at the earliest of ages. And for many of those who do reach the average life expectancy, or beyond, they face deteriorating health conditions along with physical ailments while their faces and bodies show the passage of time.
I don’t believe our Heavenly Father intended for man to live his time on this earth in diseased, aged bodies. God is our Creator and He knows everything we need in order to sustain what He created. He made those things in which we need in order to live in abundant health and vitality.
We hear more and more today of the importance of eating healthy foods, drinking water and getting exercise. These are all Biblical principles. God gave specific instructions in the Book of Exodus to His chosen people, the Israelites, in what was good to eat and what was unacceptable. Following these instructions, the Israelites were spared from disease and pestilence. In Exodus 15:26 God said, “If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.”
Unfortunately man has to contend with more than the consequences of not following the will of God. He also has to contend with man himself. We live in a fast-paced society today where growing your own garden of fresh produce and making everything “from scratch” isn’t the norm. With our busy schedules we usually opt for convenience rather than quality. Eating foods that have been processed in order to have a longer shelf life or foods that have been genetically modified (GM) have contributed to a decline in our overall health. God intended for man to have fresh clean water for drinking, fresh fruits and vegetables and lean and clean meats (Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14: 3-21). God also provided herbs to be used as medicine. I believe that over time toxins from processed foods and foods that contain antibiotics and hormones along with environmental toxins and toxins from stress age our bodies in a way God never intended. I believe God is a loving God. He created us in The Beginning in order to have fellowship with us. He had the very best intentions for us and still does. Man walks away from God every time he commits a sin and doesn’t repent of it. I believe that God allotted each and every one of us 120 years upon this earth in which to have a positive impact and to make a difference. God has given each one of us special gifts and plenty of time on earth to use those gifts to bring glory to Him and His kingdom. I think God is also trying to reach those who love Him and bring knowledge of how to live a more healthy life. A life that is not filled with disease and aches and pains. I don’t believe our bodies were meant to wither and fade over the years.
I believe God in His infinite grace and mercy is sharing knowledge and wisdom today with those who love Him. Too long have we been in the dark about the foods we put into our bodies and the drugs we willingly take or give to our families without questioning the numerous side effects that could occur.
God always provides a way for His people. We just have to trust in His will.
What are the things I think God would like for us to do to live a more healthy, vital life?
- First and foremost I think we should put God first in everything we do and accept His Son, Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior over our lives. This is what our purpose in life was always intended to be.
- God gives His children a powerful tool by sharing His wisdom with us through His Word in the Bible. You can find the answer to all life’s questions in His Word.
- Pray. Spend time in fellowship with God. Give thanks to Him each day for all He has blessed you with. Also give thanks to Him each time you sit down to eat for providing you what your body needs.
- Be a blessing to others.
- Make the commitment to change to a healthier lifestyle. Educate yourself on what are the best, nutritious foods to eat. Set aside time to get physical exercise and drink lots of water. And most importantly, pray for God to give you the will power and strength you will need in order to make a change.
- Whenever possible, consider natural, God-given means for healing your body. You would be amazed at the difference just taking natural supplements like vitamins and minerals and other nutritional supplements could make in how you feel and even look! Signs of aging are the result of years of accumulated toxins in the body. Cleanse your body of the bad stuff and start enjoying the good things in life!
- Use herbs as God intended them to be used.
I think as Christians today God is providing us with the knowledge we need the same as He did His chosen people in the Old Testament to be healthy and stay that way.
