PHYSICAL WELLNESS (3)

“A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; but the simple pass on and are punished” – Proverbs 27:12

Preventive safety-conscious lifestyles are important to the enhancement of PHYSICAL WELLNESS: “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; but the simple pass on and are punished” (Pro.27:12). Safety refers to the condition of being protected from danger, risk, or injury; freedom from the occurrence or risk of injury or loss. The naive and foolish person, heeds no precautions, has no premonition, sight or sense of danger, continues without care or concern, and pays unpalatable penalties. God does not encourage careless, reckless, or irresponsible living. Many promising careers have been halted, lives cut short, and destinies terminated by vicious, but avoidable injuries. We must intentionally and proactively keep safe rather than try to tempt God.

Physical wellness derives, not only from the healthy habits of balanced nutrition, good rest, sound sleep, and productive exercise, but also from the aspects of personal safety, disease and harm prevention, and avoidance of substance abuse. All of these are habits that, when properly developed, could enable us, by the Grace of God, to live longer and more fulfilled lives.

God is concerned about the Safety of His people. He consistently assured Israel that as long as they kept His Word, they would “dwell in the land in safety” (Lev.25:18-19; Dt.12:10). Proverbs 21:31 offers a notable reminder that “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance [SAFETY] is of the LORD.” Psalm 20:7 affirms that “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” While we must never stop trusting God for safety and security, the scriptures also infer that we have personal responsibility towards ensuring our personal and collective safety. Indeed, safety is ultimately of the Lord, and our trust must not be in chariots and horses – the arm of flesh that fails – but the horse must still be prepared!

As we follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and instructions of mentors, we’ll cultivate personal safety protocols in daily life: “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is SAFETY” (Pro.11:14). We live in a world that’s filled with cruelty, spiritual and otherwise. Demons and their human agents are causing much havoc, but the Power of God is more than sufficient to keep the Believer in Dominion! But, we must be “instant in prayer” and “pray without ceasing” (Rom.12:12; 1The.5:17).

In addition to Praying in Faith and believing in God for safety, we each make personal choices that could affect our physical health and wellness. Part of the prayer pattern that the Lord gave His Church is: “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Mt.6:13). In consonance with this, we should not lead ourselves into temptation through dangerous living or careless choices that are detrimental to health and wellness. Many health problems are avoidable because they derive from lack of or limited attention to safety at personal and collective levels. If greater attention is paid to safety at home, at work, on streets and highways, on the sports arena, and within and outside our abodes, there would be less “accidents” to deal with and better overall wellness.

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to hazards at home. Injuries through slips, trips, and falls are major public health challenges and leading causes of ill-health and fatality, especially among children and the elderly. Through proactive, preventive lifestyles, we can minimize risks of burglaries, burns, electrical faults, electrocution, home fires, drowning, sharp tools, falling object, chemicals and harmful products, collision with sharp edges of furniture or glass doors, and dog bites. Many of these are preventable through lifestyle-behavioural changes or environmental adjustments. Occupational safety is also crucial in the workplace. The goal is to have workplaces that are reasonably free from danger to all employees.

At a collective level, conscientious leaders are expected to care for the safety of their followers: “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds” (v.23). This warning should be heeded by every parent, pastor, and mentor!