Our life in this world is filled with problems. We face daily challenges and struggles.
And it really doesn't matter where we go.
These troubles and hardships confront us causing us to have fear and anxiety.
There are even times when problems become so severe that others feel helpless and miserable.
Well in the face of such problems, it is but natural for people to seek for a solution.
As we continue through this year, many of us have had goals or aspirations that we wanted to fulfill
and more than likely, it pertains to ourself.
How can we be a better person or even more healthy?
Take a look at this.
One of my year resolutions was to lose weight and to get my priorities straight.
I guess it's good for the health, you don't wanna be overweight. You don't wanna have health problems...
So it's really good to exercise and...yeah!
Interviewer: What are you doing to reach that goal?
Lorena: Well, I work out every now and then.
I don't work out as much as I can but when I can 'cause of work and stuff but
I do wanna make it a priority in my life so...
Mike: ...in the beginning of the year where I were to join a gym, become better and overall do good in school
and try go get scholarships to go to college.
As we can see, individually we have goals
and one of those, of course, normally is to better ourselves; be a better person or be healthier.
But recent global reports show the opposite.
Though individually, we might wanna be healthier, recent global reports have shown that people are getting heavier.
As of 2013, 2.1 billion people are considered obese or overweight.
Which countries have seen the most increase in obesity?
The biggest 'obesity rises among women' came in Egypt,
Saudi Arabia, Oman, Honduras, and Bahrain.
Among men, it was in New Zealand, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United States.
This means that 30% of the world's population is obese or overweight!
What does the Bible say when it comes to our health and well being?
This is what is stated in III John 1:2, and we read:
Ideally then, we should all be in good health, as this is what was prayed for by the Apostle John.
In the first place, why are so many people in bad health?
It was reported that obesity is a complex problem fueled by the availability of
cheap, fatty, sugary, salty, high calorie junk food
and the rise of sedentary life styles.
Obesity is described as a complex problem
but there are so many factors involved in one becoming obese.
So what can we do to prevent it?
There are a number of simple solutions
we can do to help ourselves and to help eradicate this global epidemic.
What is one of them according to the Bible?
Listen to what God says in Proverbs 23:1-3:
One solution deals with the manner in which we eat.
When eating, God reminds us to exercise self control.
We may consider ourselves as a big eater or just love to eat
but we must control our desire to eat abundantly, especially in one sitting.
This can be done practically.
For example, have a set schedule of times when you eat.
pay attention to what you are eating,
use smaller plates to control the amount of food we intake at a given time,
and set a time when our eating should stop.
Let us remember that our goal is to be healthy.
One reason why we are becoming unhealthy is because we live sedentary lives,
which means we don't move around enough or spend time outside as much as we used to.
People, especially the younger generation, spend so much time using computers playing video games and other things
that it is pushing us into a more sedentary lifestyle.
So what else can we do to overcome this and live healthier lives?
This is what the apostles teach in I Timothy 4:8-9:
The apostles teach that exercise is good for our body
so it benefits our health if we are proactive in exercising.
So combined with a proper diet, disciplined eating and a proactive approach to exercise,
we should be able to achieve and maintain good health, free from worries and sickness.
Of course, before beginning any diet and exercise regiment, let us consult our healthcare physicians
so we can be properly guided on how to go about being a healthier person.
What is the benefit of listening to God's advice to eat properly and exercise?
In Proverbs 3:8, we can read:
So if we adhere to the teachings and admonitions that God gives to us, truly what we really desire for ourselves will come to pass.
We will be healthier as we continue to sojourn in our lives in this world.
So, no matter what the problem, no matter how great the challenge,
and even against all odds, just remember to trust in God.
He will always provide us
the solution.