Physical – The Material World and the Body

Through the five senses — taste, sight, hearing, touch and smell — we receive constant input from the physical realm, which we readily assimilate and respond to. However, as Christians we need a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's inner leading and guidance. This can be cultivated by living a life of dependency on and being in tune with the Spirit: living as Jesus would, dealing quickly with matters He convicts of, maintaining a prayerful attitude and reading the Word regularly.

The physical world is temporary, while the spiritual is eternally lasting. We humans relate more readily to the physical, 'touchable' surroundings than to the invisible but more powerful spirit dimension. Yet Paul explains: "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood; it is against the rulers, authorities, powers of this world and the evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realms" (Eph 6:12). Satan's aim is to steal, kill and destroy God's highest form of creation — mankind — and disease, temptation and discouragement are some of the strategies employed (Jn 10:10).

Our body is the 'temple of the Holy Spirit' and so should be adequately cared for and not abused or neglected (1 Cor 6:19). Good food, adequate rest and regular exercise help maintain physical wellbeing and health. Physical wellbeing and lifestyle have a positive impact on mental wellbeing, improving mood, motivation and energy while reducing stress and anxiety, besides helping prevent mental health problems. Time spent in nature has a beneficial influence on our state of mind which enables everything else. If your body does succumb to disease, provided Christ is your Lord and Saviour, heaven will be your destiny where there is no physical impairment.