The Gift of Health and Salvation
As a physician, I have come to realize that health and salvation have much in common. Both are gifts that cannot be obtained by individual effort alone, but rather received through the love and mercy of God. This understanding is reflected in the words of Joachim Neander’s famous hymn, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” which I had to sing repeatedly in eighth grade choir.
The Limits of Individual Effort
The rich young man in Matthew 19:16 and the lawyer in the Good Samaritan story (Luke 10:25-37) both demonstrate the limitations of individual effort in achieving eternal life. Despite their attempts to justify themselves, they ultimately fall short. In contrast, Jesus offers them life as a gift, impossible to obtain by their own efforts but fully available through the love of a merciful and generous God.
The Deception of Hyperindividualism
Our contemporary culture’s emphasis on hyperindividualism has corrupted our view of salvation and turned our pursuit of health into an individual endeavor. We portray health as an individual responsibility and demand it as an individual right, neglecting the fact that health, like salvation, is a gift that must be nurtured in community.
The Importance of Community
Health and salvation are not solo efforts, but rather gifts that are received personally and lived out corporately. The church, unlike any other human institution, exists to proclaim the mystery of faith and transmit the message of salvation to the world. Unfortunately, the church has sometimes tried to control salvation, restricting access to it and failing in its responsibility.
A New Perspective on Health
Dr. Bob Cutillo, a physician and associated faculty member at Denver Seminary, teaches us to think biblically about the limitations of our bodies and see wellness as a gift from God. By recognizing the ways our society has made an idol out of controlling our health, we can begin to see health in a new light.
The Church’s Role in Healthcare
The church need not shrink back when its members are sick, leaving the institution of medicine to dictate how health is maintained and the sick are treated. Instead, the church can offer a unique perspective on health and wellness, one that recognizes the true source of our health and salvation.
A Life of Faithfulness
Joachim Neander’s life was marked by faithfulness, despite his premature death from tuberculosis. His legacy reminds us that our lives will be measured not by how long we live, but by how faithful we are with the lives we are given. As we reflect on the gift of health and salvation, may we strive to live lives of faithfulness, trusting in the love and mercy of God.
Leave a Reply