FF Chong—London, UK

As with our physical health, we must look after our spiritual health. There are various factors we must take into consideration to remain spiritually healthy. The axiom "Prevention is better than cure" rings true to all, particularly those who are health conscious. This also applies to our faith. To stay clear of sin and corruption is the wisest choice in life. To be tainted by sinful influence can be so devastating that we may not make it to where God has prepared for us.

Diligently guarding one's heart against negative influence is vital for good spiritual health, because from the heart flow the issues of life (Prov 4:23). When the will to be close to God is built up, the propensity to sin is proportionately fast vanishing. In this way, the heart is kept sanctified. One must also be aware that guarding the heart by one's own strength is never possible. Divine help must always be solicited. Praying in the Spirit and genuinely searching God's word frequently is indispensable to a healthy spiritual life.

The importance of praying in the Spirit is always taught in the church (Eph 6:18). But to do it effectively is quite another matter. We are witnessing faith-related problems on the rise, even uncontrollably, in the lives of believers. Our prayers, no matter how they increase to meet this rising need, will be ineffectual if we do not pray in the Spirit and practice God’s word (Prov 28:9).

Practicing God’s word is always absent when we succumb to the allure of the world, rendering living out the word undoable. One key factor is a lack of respect for the word. We cannot take the word of God for granted. It must be observed with great diligence from the heart (Deut 6:17). Particularly, the basic beliefs of the church must be honored. They are not the word of man that can be understood by any academic means; they are the word of God (1 Thess 2:13) given to the church by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The word of truth is the foundation of a healthy church, producing spiritual individuals when the word is well kept.

Like medical check-ups, we must do regular examinations to ensure good spiritual health. For example, examining our attitude in serving the Lord is necessary, as we can lose focus in our service. We serve because we are required to build up ourselves and the church. For example, speaking on the pulpit about the need to look after the brethren is biblical. However, if we mean to portray how good we are in caring for the sheep, while demeaning those who may not have done much in this aspect, then this is pride. This is a serious illness that kills if not treated quickly.

A second example is to examine if we guard our tongues, as the Bible teaches. True religion cannot be detached from controlling our words (Jas 1:26). We can act gentle and nice to others in public, but if we lash out at those who have done better than us behind their back, then what religiosity do we have before God? In the eyes of God, we are ungodly. Truly, caring for others must be accompanied by a God-given ability to bridle our tongues and speak graciously in all circumstances. This, when a person does, indicates his spiritual health is good.