By Faith

ByFaith

By Rev. Dr. Dwayne Bond

How to Maintain Spiritual Health in an Evolving Pandemic

Since the pandemic started in March 2020, we have all personally been managing the effects of COVID-19 — masking, quarantines, isolation, grief and loss. During this season, many people have accumulated unwanted psychological stress and physical pounds, endured emotional challenges and heartache, experienced interrupted routines and sleep patterns and have been plagued with mental and physical fatigue. The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone. We have all been overwhelmed by COVID-19. Life is so different now.

Due to this reality, people are expending intentional energy to thrive and survive but also to develop, maintain, and enhance their overall health. And even now, some are more committed to physical exercise for the sake of stronger immunity, while others are doing their best to simply stay active. But now, in the midst of this pandemic, people are asking deeper questions. How can I move through this pandemic considering the emotional, mental, social and rational toll that it’s taken on me? Is there more to life that I should be thinking about other than my physical reality?

Is the body all there is to life? When God created man in Genesis 2:7, He “formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” God used a physical substance to create man and then breathed life into man giving him a living soul. Consequently, the human body is material while the human soul is immaterial. After death, the body will return to the earth and the soul will live forever (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Witnessing loved ones die during this pandemic has awaken all of us to the finality and preciousness of life. Life doesn’t go on forever. Everything doesn’t line up our way. People do die. We are vulnerable and delicate beings. Can we begin making more room in our lives to develop a more balanced approach to stewarding our entire beings? Emphatically, yes!

For the Christian, one who has placed their faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, spiritual health must be a priority. Developing spiritual health begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is rooted in faith. After establishing a relationship, growth in faith becomes a life-long journey in discovering the amazing grace of God.

What is spiritual health? Spiritual health is our stewardship responsibility to maintain, nourish and strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ for long-term growth and sustainability until eternity. Every plan for stewarding our spiritual health must include prevention, maintenance and enhancement.

In order to guard our physical health from deterioration and avoidable diseases or illnesses, we avoid certain foods, patterns, habits, environments, and people so we can maintain vibrancy and enhance immunity. Similarly, we must have a prevention plan for our spiritual health. What are you “consuming” that could deteriorate your faith in Jesus Christ?

During this complex pandemic season, are you indulging in literature, media, habits, activities or relationships that diminish your faith? Are you attending a church in-person or online where the pastor clearly preaches and teaches primarily from the Bible? Have you selected a church based on its ability to enhance your spiritual growth and development? Or have you settled for a church based on its ability to make you feel good, provide networking opportunities, or enhance your social status?

In addition to prevention, we must also consider the maintenance of our physical health. Exercise and diet play a huge role in physical sustainability. Maintaining and enhancing spiritual health come from consistently “digesting” the Word of God (Bible). Paul says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work (2 Tim 3: 16, 17).” Our souls need a healthy diet of the Word of God as well as opportunities to exercise what we are learning. As we study God’s Word, we are able to live out what we learn, and even discern whether those who shepherd our souls are contributing to or hindering our spiritual health.

Maintaining and enhancing vibrant spiritual health takes place also through prayer. Reading and studying God’s Word allows us to hear from God and spending time in prayer allows God to hear from us. The psalmist in Psalm 54:2 says, “O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth.” Prayer is vital for spiritual health.

Ask yourself, “How is my spiritual health?” Is it growing, developing, stagnant or non-existent? Honestly assess your life to determine where you are spiritually. Are you cultivating your soul’s health or has your physical health become your sole priority? Our families, neighborhoods, communities, and cities are desperately in need of spiritually healthy Christians who are thriving in their faith in Jesus Christ. As John says in 3 John 2, so I say to you, “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

Surviving and thriving during a pandemic requires a priority to be given to health and safety. But it also requires a priority to our spiritual health, especially as we grow to realize that all to life isn’t just physical; it’s also spiritual. May you give attention to cultivating a healthy spiritual life during this difficult season. P

The Rev. Dwayne Bond is the lead pastor of Wellspring Church.