"A lot of us don't have a health problem, we have a wisdom problem. Some of us have been eating way too many cheeseburgers late at night." - Pastor Jimmy Patillo
Jimmy Patillo is the assistant pastor of New Life Church, which is located in Frankfort, KY. He made this comment in regards to wisdom while teaching a Biblical Finances course at Life Christian University. I'll be the first to admit that I laughed after hearing him say that. On a serious note, I'll also be the first to say that health is something that has to be protected, guarded, and pursued. It is God's will that we prosper and be in good health, even as our soul prosper (3 John 2). Here we see that God wants his children to prosper and excel in three areas, which is a good journey, body, and spiritual life. "Prosper" in 3 John 2 literally means to have a good journey. God wants us to have a good journey in our daily walk. God also wants us to have good health both in our body and spiritually. I believe that Christians should be the most joyful and prosperous people to ever exist. It's sad to say that isn't always the case. There are so many things such as health and prosperity that are neglected in the body of Christ. The reason for that is because of a lack of understanding. The people perish because of a lack of knowledge.
Jesus died so that we may live prosperous lives. Some of us can quote every scripture from Genesis to Revelation, but we're not taking care of ourselves physically. Apostle Paul begged us to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1). I'll be the first to say that Romans 12:1 is just as much the word of God as John 3:16.
Just this past summer I struggled with exercise. I didn't have much of a drive to exercise. I also got convicted because of Romans 12:1. It became a time when I had to protect my health. I had to protect my health from a busy work schedule and unhealthy food. I started eating more fruit and salad. I've also been working out since the end of August this year. When Paul wrote Romans 12:1, he was writing to Christians. The reason why I know that is because he used the term "brethren." Anytime the word "brethren " is being used then it is referring to Christians.