Spiritual health is difficult to measure. However, you’ll know you’re becoming spiritually well when your actions become more consistent with your beliefs and values. This is quite reflective of David’s journey. He was a man after God’s own heart, but he had many moments of spiritual illness. Proverbs 6:16-19 outlines, “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” David hit just about everything on this list, yet before he died, he said the Lord “redeemed my soul out of every adversity” (I Kings 1:29). How could David be so sure of his soul’s redemption? Because he invested in his spiritual health.

David was intentional about his relationship with God, as we see in much of Psalms. His desire for spiritual healing was of benefit not just to him, but to an entire nation. David showed us that an essential part of our spiritual health is to maintain constant communication with God. As Jesus taught in Luke 18:1-8, “Men always ought to pray and never lose heart.” This draws us to God and makes us yearn for him even more, keeping us fit for our spiritual journey.

Let’s consider physical health independently. The primary purpose of the human body is to provide a residence for the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we must be mindful to take good care of the body, because to take care of the body is not to just take care of you, but to take care of the God in you.

Additionally, we must not forget that God reflected himself in us when he created us (Genesis 1:27). This is something he did not do with any other creature, and it further underscores our value. In fact, we are so important to God that he said in 1 Corinthians 3:17, “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy…”As managers of a physical temple God has loaned to us, we must be careful to treat this temple as God, the owner, would treat this temple.

One great benefit of maintaining our physical health is that we double our ability to glorify God. How? Because we worship him both in our body and in our spirit. Our bodies are the outward manifestation of our spiritual experience, and were we not created to declare God’s praise (Isaiah 43:20)? If we truly value physical health, the National Wellness Institute (NWI) says we should protect it with the following: “...a combination of good exercise and eating habits,” “medical self-care and appropriate use of a medical system,” “...monitor[ing] your own vital signs” and understand[ing] your body’s warning signs.”

What do you want most out of life? Most of us would rank healthy relationships high on the list. Except for knowing Christ and having eternal life, healthy relationships make life enjoyable perhaps more than anything else. A loving relationship with God is of first importance; but loving relationships with others is second. The Bible is all about these two important relationships.

Because the Bible emphasizes healthy relationships so highly, it’s sad that there are so many believers who have hurting or broken relationships. Many Christian homes have been shattered by divorce. Some who stay married are unhappy. Their homes are a tense battle ground, not a loving refuge. Many Christian parents are at odds with their kids and the kids with their parents. On the church level, some bounce from church to church, leaving a trail of damaged relationships behind. I know of Christians who won’t speak to other Christians because of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and wrongs that have taken place. Sadly, the loving families, genuine friendships, and healthy relationships that we want most out of life often elude us.

God graciously chose us in love to be set apart to Himself, we should treat others with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and forgiveness. His gracious, loving treatment of us is the basis for our treatment of others.

Maybe you’re wondering, “Where do I start?” You may need to begin by focusing on your relationship with God. Have you trusted in Christ as your Savior so that you’ve truly experienced His forgiveness, mercy, and love? You can’t love others as you should until you’re rightly related to God.

We’ve all been there. The moment where you cross your fingers and pray that the bills won’t bounce. Perhaps you’ve been faced with unemployment and you have no earthly idea how you’ll be able to make next month’s rent payment. Or maybe you’re working two jobs and still can’t seem to get ahead. Financial issues can be extremely stressful and effect so many different aspects of life – both physically and emotionally.

In order to gain better control over your finances, it may be wise to consult a financial advisor who has a better idea of how to manage funds and what type of options are accessible for your specific situation. While you may believe that you have it under control and perceive no other workable solutions, getting a second opinion on your financial situation can prove to make an extreme difference. Along with professional help, it’s important to maintain your sanity with spiritual assistance. You’ll discover a financial expert’s assistance coupled with prayer will provide you with the hope and motivation you will need to overcome just about anything.

The Bible provides Christians with a number of scriptures focused on money, finances and giving. Philippians 4:19 is one of my go-to scriptures to reference when I’m facing financial issues. The verse says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” It’s important, despite the frustrations tough finances brings forth, to know that the Lord is always by your side. He will never give you more than you can manage and will provide the necessities to live a prosperous life.