The funny thing about wellness is the fact that we all can agree that it’s good, but few of us can define it. Fewer still can say they have it. And, if we are being brutally honest, even fewer are willing to relentlessly pursue it.
Even as I type this, I’m mindful that I have a unique perspective of wellness. I think so, at least. You see, my mom, for much of her life would tell me (and others) that she “just wants to be well.” A little back story, my mom suffered from depression and a host of other maladies. And time after time, she told me she just wanted to be well.
I was a pretty smart alecky kid and generally emotionally unintelligent. My response was often, “you’re not even sick” or “you only can get well if you REALLY want to be well.”
I’m not sure how good my counsel was. And maybe it had more of a punitive impact, I don’t know.
What I do know, though, is that wellness has become the mantra du’jour in many circles. It’s a toughy, because it can relate to physical and mental health, financial condition, emotional stability, environmental impact, and more.
But to frame the study of Edwards’ 20th resolution, I am going to zero in on diet and food.
You see, over the last few years, I have been diligently studying food. Specifically, I’ve studied the food industry. The history of it, the logistics of transportation, marketing, and a ton of other food facets. It started as an idea for a book (I promise, I really will produce it!). It evolved into a quest to understand the Biblical context and application of food, as well as how it’s related to our finances and health.
In short, food might just be THE key area of focus for wellness, be it physical, mental, emotional, and more.
Jonathan Edwards Resolution 20
Edwards’ Resolution #20 (as it was written)
Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
Edwards’ Resolution #20 (in my modernized language)
To have discipline in my diet and pursuit of general wellness.
We are Commanded to Eat and Drink
In addition to practical counsel for Christian living, the Bible hosts God’s commands. Here, though, we will focus only on two – his first and last to humans.
After creating light out of the darkness, the waters of the Earth, the sky, and then the land, God said the land would sprout with vegetation, seeds, and fruit. It did, and he deemed it good. (Genesis 1:11). He next created the sun, moon, seasons, and stars. Sea creatures, birds, and every other animal followed.
Then, God created man and woman. Granting man and woman dominion, God commanded:
“Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.
-Genesis 1:29 ESV, emphasis added mine
So, among God’s very first commands to humans is the command to “eat.”
Shifting from the first book of the Bible, to the last, we find a final command. Having established his kingdom and united the bridegroom (Jesus) with his pre-arranged bride (the church), God invites celebration.
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price (Revelation 22:17 ESV emphasis added mine).
You see! He’s commanding those who thirst to drink.
So bookending the Bible are God’s commands to both eat and drink.
The Communion Table
In light of this, it’s no wonder that Jesus did so much of his ministry on earth while partaking in meals. In fact, the word “food” occurs thirty-two times in the NIV translation of the Bible. It’s often part of a spiritual analogy. Similarly, the word “feed” shows up thirty-four times in the NIV. Often, the meaning infers spiritual instruction or comfort.
Jesus, before going to the cross, orchestrated one final meal with his disciples. At that event, he echoed the command from Genesis and foreshadowed that of Revelation. He broke bread, and instructed them to eat. Then, he poured the wine and instructed them to drink.
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
– Luke 22:19-20 ESV
Of course, bread and wine as a steady diet leads not to wellness. But eating and drinking while in a right spirit does. If we are to remember Jesus and his selfless act for our salvation while truly seeking after God’s glory in all things, we should take pause to consider everything before it touches our lips.
A steady diet of toxins – alcohol, sugar, processed foods, etc., will not lead to wellness. And being made in God’s image, it mutes God’s glory.
A Modern Communion
When I say “modern communion” please note that I am not talking about the sacrament of “Holy Communion.” So don’t fire of that angst-ridden email just yet!
Rather, I am talking about the modern way in which we commune together – as God’s people.
In Jesus’ day, I gotta think the scene was somewhat typical. A typical room with typical furnishings. It’s there that he brings his chosen together to commune. Then, he took typical elements, bread and wine, and made them anything but typical.
Today, we are reminded that food and drink – the very things that provide our sustenance, are blessings from God. And they are possible only through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. So long as we eat and drink, we do so in remembrance of him.
Therefore, perhaps the modern “typical” is the neighborhood coffee shop. Okay, it can be a fabulous chain, too – but local just feels more apt. Coffee and scones. Or tea and muffins. Or bagels. Whatever be your delight.
It is here I am reminded of a coffee shop owner who is local to me. “It’s never about the coffee or tea,” he said to me. “It’s about coming together. First dates, and meetings. It’s about Bible studies and reunions. About that newly forming relationship or the long neglected one. The drink and the food simply link us together.”
That’s modern communion. And, when done in the name of Jesus, he is with us (see Matthew 18:20).
Discipline and Wellness
Food and drink is about more than filling bellies and quenching thirst. It’s an opportunity to connect with others. To establish a social wellness.
And food and drink certainly pertain to physical wellness. In tandem with relational wellness and physical wellness, there is a greater likelihood to have fewer medical needs. That means fewer doctor visits, medications and the like. And that equals lower costs of living, which can be transitioned to better management of our money. In my professional world, we call that financial wellness.
An awesome life is definitely at hand. But, there is one catch: you have to want it more than you are willing to put up with what is holding you back.
You have to want it more than you are willing to put up with what is holding you back. #wellness Click To TweetListen, I have lost and put on the same 40 pounds more than once. I get it. Life bogs me down. I make excuses. I find reasons and am tempted more than I can count.
This is where we have to lean into God. And remember that we are vessels of light. All that we consume must be considered in remembrance of God. If we truly do long to live for his glory, we must aspire to live healthy and well.
Then his fullness may just shine through to an otherwise very darkened world.