The mutual influence of mind, body and spirit
Introduction: Wholeness for man, the meaning of wholeness as taught by Jesus. One time when He was by the pool of
1. The Hebrew word “Shalom,” (peace) can help us understand the Biblical concept of holistic health because it speaks of wholeness. It means being complete or whole with nothing missing.
The man and woman whom God created in the beginning were holistic beings.
All three dimensions of man – physical, mental, and spiritual – need to be harmoniously developed and maintained. They work in harmony in bringing health and happiness to a person.
A close intimate relationship exists between the mind and the body, mutual influence of these three factors
2 How can our spirit affect our body?
Examples; Elijah’s ability to run ahead of Ahab’s chariot was based on his zeal for God
Gideon’s army- God chose the ones who were zealous for him
People who have gotten cancer after a spouse died, blood pressure high when nervous
“Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die” (1 Corinthians 15:32) –attitude has huge impact on our health habits, more likely to have unhealthy habits when we are not so zealous for God.
Those who don’t understand the reason for existence are at risk for living to please the flesh instead of honoring God with their body, which can put them at high risk for disease.
Daniel and his friend’s health habits were based on their faithfulness to God.
3. How can our body affect our spirit?
Health factors effect the function of the frontal lobe of the brain which is associated with religion. Brain injury, chemicals, alcohol all can effect the frontal lobe and result in behavior changes, and/or decreased interest in religion.
A close relationship between the stomach and brain due to the phrenic nerve and also gut bacteria which release chemicals. This is being confirmed by research more and more. So what you eat and drink can literally affect your mind.
Examples of the body affecting the spirit;
- If you smile in a genuine way it will cause you to feel happy
- If you keep good posture you will feel more dignity and confidence as well as breathe deeper, which promotes more oxygen to the brain and reduces the acid condition in the body (because you breathe off more hydrogen).
- Sunshine and fresh air can help us to feel happy. People often sit in dark rooms with stagnant blood circulation, breathing dust mites and formaldehyde from furniture – it’s no wonder there’s a lot of depression! Getting active and outdoors can reduce depression – (as long as it doesn’t involve aggressive competition, which causes stress hormone release).
4. What are some things that can put a burden on the spirit and thus cause disease of the body?
Sin and guilt (example of the paralytic Jesus healed by saying “thy sins be forgiven thee”)
Discouragement or depression – may make you feel like not getting out of bed, for example, so you exercise and move less, loose muscle tone, blood doesn’t circulate freely
Faulty thought patterns, stress response to problems (making mountains out of mole hills) all can cause toxic stress hormone release that contribute to heart disease, high BP, etc.
The natural selfishness of the human heart is the biggest cause of problem. Truly we are in need of healing from Christ in order to be hole in mind, body and spirit.
5. How can we apply the concepts of the mutual influence of mind body and spirit- to healing?
Faith can help us to change lifestyle habits (research shows those who have spiritual reasons are more likely to succeed in making lifestyle changes, etc.)
Introduce people to Christ for spiritual renewal: We must have heart renewal to cure the problem of disease to the very core!
Help people understand how valuable and precious they are in Jesus eyes (this is very healing and inspiring).
Inspire people to have a purpose and mission. Help people learn the joy of service to others which gives you life’s greatest purpose for living. Someone who shares with, cares for and loves other people without expecting anything in return will be strong and happy! Help people get involved with helping others.
Ellen White Quotes:
Who was Ellen White? ; Ellen White named by Smithsonian among the 100 most significant Americans of all time , EGW Link 2Contentment and Cheerfulness
A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. Nothing is so fruitful a cause of disease as depression, gloominess, and sadness. Mental depression is terrible.--1T 702. {Medical Ministry (MM) 106.4}
Happiness and Health
The sympathy which exists between the mind and the body is very great. When one is affected, the other responds. The condition of the mind has much to do with the health of the physical system. If the mind is free and happy under a consciousness of rightdoing and a sense of satisfaction in causing happiness to others, it will create a cheerfulness that will react upon the whole system, causing a freer circulation of the blood and a toning up of the entire body. The blessing of God is a healer; and those who are abundant in benefiting others will realize that wondrous blessing in their hearts and lives.--4T 60. {MM 105.1}
Many are ruining themselves physically, mentally, and morally by overdevotion to study. They are defrauding themselves for time and eternity through practicing habits of intemperance in seeking to gain an education. They are losing their desire to learn, in the
Dull Minds and Dietetic Errors
Many students are deplorably ignorant of the fact that diet exerts a powerful influence upon the health. Some have never made a determined effort to control the appetite or to observe proper rules in regard to diet. They eat too much, even at their meals, and some eat between meals whenever the temptation is presented. If those who profess to be Christians desire to solve the questions so perplexing to them, why their minds are so dull, why their religious aspirations are so feeble, they need not, in many instances, go farther than the table; here is cause enough, if there were no other. {MM 77.3}