Well Child Check-Up
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along.” 3 John 1:2(NIV) / Pixabay
Not long ago I came across my children’s little medical record books. Now, it’s been a long time since I’ve had to make an appointment for a Well Child Check-up. But back when my kids were young, we made regular trips to the doctor’s office to confirm all was as well on the inside, as it was on the outside. Our Pediatrician would listen to each little heart, check the reflexes in active legs, test the accuracy of their vision and hearing, and document the evidence of growth. While we usually associate going to the doctor with being sick, the premise of these check-ups was to focus on our children’s good health and preventing problems in the future.
When I schedule an appointment now, instead of Well Child it’s a “Well Senior” Check-up, however the idea is the same. Maintaining our physical health helps us live full and hopefully long, productive lives. But, let me ask a question. What about monitoring our Spiritual health? How long has it been since you or I have had a “Well Child of God Check-up”? I’m afraid I can often overlook this part of my health even though I know that being well with our souls is vital to truly living. Unfortunately, I usually spend less time looking after the me that only God sees than I do on the me that the world sees.**
It’s time to come into the presence of the “Great Physician”. And guess what? No appointment’s needed! He’s always ready and waiting to help us be our best. So first, He’ll listen to our hearts to let us know if they’re in rhythm with His:
” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ And the second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ ” Mark 12:30-31 (NIV)
Next, He’ll check our Spiritual reflexes to show us how quickly we respond to His call :
“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4: 18-20 (NIV) (emphasis mine)
Then, He’ll help us determine if we have eyes that see and ears that hear:
” ‘Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ” Matthew 25:37-40 (NIV)
” ‘The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.’ ” Luke 8:14-15 (NIV)
And finally, He’ll reveal our rate of Spiritual growth:
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15 (NIV)
As a young mom, making regular appointments with the Pediatrician reassured me that we were doing all we could to keep my children in good physical health. Daily visits with our “Great Physician” do the same thing. Through The Word, prayer, praise, and worship, we can have confidence that we are developing fruitful Spiritual health. Taking care of our minds, bodies, and souls helps us live life well, both now and on into eternity where there’ll be no future problems for us to worry about at all!
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8
So who’s ready for a check up? I know I am!
I’m linking up with the other talented writers at Kate Monaung’s site http://www.fiveminutefriday.com This week’s prompt is “Well”. What does that bring to your mind? Share with me in the comments. I love to hear from you!
**Five minutes