The Bible even addresses alcohol abuse, and instructs us to be filled with the Spirit, rather than drunk with wine Eph. 5:17-18.
There are numerous diseases related to alcoholism (Prov. 23:19-21, 29-34). These include damage of nerves and body organs, damage to newborns, and sexual disorders. But in addition to these, there are also many highway deaths and broken homes that result from alcohol abuse.
Healthy sexuality
The Scripture teaches us to avoid sexual immorality I Thess. 4:3-5. Homosexuality, incest and adultery lead to terrible consequences such as debilitating, sexually transmitted diseases and neurotic behavior. Those who violate God's instructions concerning sexuality not only affect themselves directly, but also create problems for society as a whole.
Emotional wholeness
The Bible teaches us the role of faith in coping with stress and dealing with anger (Ps. 23, Prov. 29:11) There are numerous psychological disorders and aberrant behaviors that result from our failure to exercise faith in Jesus Christ.
None of these diseases
Many years ago I read an excellent book, called None of These Diseases, written in 1967 by doctors S.I. McMillen and David E. Stern. It has recently been revised, and is still in print. While I don’t agree with every single point they made, I do agree with much of it.
The main premise of the book is that we should live the lifestyle God commanded, and when we do we can claim the promise found in Exodus 15:26 that we will have "none of these diseases."
Harmony with the Creator
It is said that ever molecule oscillates at its own unique frequency. And the authors of this book teach that there are about 150 trillion DNAs and cells in our bodies. They state, “The human body is living in divine health when the 150 trillion cells are in the same frequency or harmony with the creator. Each cell has a north and south pole and generates galvanic electric power.” – S.I. McMillen, David E. Stern
They go on to write, “The harmony or frequency in the cell arrangement is disrupted with negative emotions that originate in the human mind.” S.I. McMillen, David E. Stern. I agree. When we enter into sinful emotions or behavior, we disrupt our own inner health and well being. This adversely affects our body at the smallest cellular level. This underlying, unhealthy state of our being predisposes us to the development of illness and disease.
Some people would say that this teaching advocates mind control, such as that taught by the New Age or by so-called Christian Science. The authors of the book make a clear distinction that sets this apart from such false practices. They state, “The original and true mind control is the impartation of the mind of Christ that occurs through a spiritual metamorphosis when the born again experience takes place.” S.I. McMillen, David E. Stern. I agree with this. Christ must control our minds. When we have the mind of Christ, then we are free and at peace. We are able to do that which pleases our Creator, and which leads to divine health.
Fear is the primary negative emotion
Along these lines, the authors note that fear is the primary negative emotion in life. This is what the Word of God teaches. Satan keeps people in bondage by constantly enslaving them with the fear of death. If you think about it, most of what people are concerned about can be traced back to a basic fear of death. This fear is a force that disrupts our spiritual, physical, and emotional well being. This opens the door to a host of health problems.
Love is supreme
So what is the biblical answer? The Bible teaches “Perfect love casts out all fear.” So when you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and you love your neighbor as yourself, then it dispels all that fear. You are not a slave to it any longer. You are free to love, and this is a major key to divine health.
Like Solomon wrote, “Better is a dish of vegetables where love is Than a fattened ox served with hatred.” (Pro 15:17). If there is love inside your heart, then you’re better off eating a simple meal that doesn’t taste so great than eating a delicious feast that includes fatty meat when there is hatred inside your heart.
The authors also admonish us to “ALWAYS KEEP BURIED IN YOUR MIND THAT WORDS ARE SEEDS AND PRODUCE AFTER THEIR KIND.” -- S.I. McMillen, David E. Stern. So it begins with a thought, and our thought becomes a word. That word then produces after its own kind and we get what we say. The words then beget physical actions, which can become habits. Those habits then become a lifestyle. And once we develop a lifestyle, it secures our destiny. This can work for good or for evil in our lives and the lives of those we touch.
Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Most other Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, unless otherwise noted.
Author's note: This post is part of a series. If you enjoyed it, you may also like the other posts in this blog available through the links in the side bar. You may also access my blog directory at "Writing for the Master."
Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus. Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?
“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15). He preached that we must repent and believe.
Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International. He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.
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