The Seven Disciplines of Wellness: the Spiritual Connection to Good Health by Surina Ann Jordan

Author:Surina Ann Jordan [Jordan, Surina Ann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781483519692
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2014-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Discipline 4: Use Common Sense

Based on common sense, we know that we need a relationship with God. We need to think and make good decisions. Early on in this book, we discussed common sense and what it means to have it. We defined common sense as making rational decisions based on what we know to be true. Common sense is a mental ability provided by God to each of us so we can think and exercise the gift of choice. We also discussed that in order to use common sense, we have to know the truth, which is God. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The Holy Spirit is referred to as the “Spirit of Truth.” We know that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, meaning the Spirit lives within us and reflects the truth of God. In the Kingdom, the Spirit of Truth is with us forever according to John 14:16-17. That truth is always available to provide what we need to know in order to use common sense.

Another dimension to using common sense is presented by Dr. Elson Haas in his book Staying Healthy with the Seasons. Dr. Haas suggests that common sense is prevention at two levels. The first is called “avoidance” of what we know to cause harm, like alcohol, drugs, and smoking. The second level of prevention is the use of “positive action” which means having good behaviors on a regular basis that keep us healthy and prevent chronic disease. These behaviors include physical exertion, healthy eating, healthy thoughts, self-education, and awareness.

In order to use common sense, we must get to know God through His map for our lives—His Word. Three steps make it possible:

1. We must study God’s Word so that we will know the truth. Knowledge of His Word also allows us to pray intelligent prayers that complement His will for us. (II Timothy 2:15, Luke 11:1)

2. We must think about the truth and use it to measure all circumstances in life. (Psalm 33:4)

3. Based on what we know to be true and how a situation stacks up against the truth, we make the right decision. (Psalm 43:3)

The enemy’s strategy is to make us too busy to think.

Only mature and well-exercised intelligence can save you from falling into gullibility (I Corinthians 14:20-25). When we were living outside the Kingdom of God, we had become a people who stopped thinking. We went along for the ride as opposed to being actively engaged in the process of living well. We gave the job of thinking over to someone else. The herd mentality—whatever the majority does—is what we do. There is little time to search for the truth, for thinking and making decisions. The enemy’s strategy is to make us too busy. It is critical to his plan that we run out of time every day and never seem to get enough done. As a result, we feel unproductive and become more unorganized, feeling unworthy, and we are forced to go with the flow and with what seems right.

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