Taking every thought captive for obedience to Christ (2 Cor. 10.5)
 

Outcomes
Self-love
The awareness of death haunts human beings. For many people, this takes the form of a fear of dying (cf. Heb. 2.15). We all know we’re going to die, but many of us, echoing Woody Allen, would prefer not to be around when it happens.

The certainty of our dying encourages in many people a redoubling of their effort to live, to make the most of their lives while they can, and to take whatever measures are available to extend their lives. Living well means having a healthy body; hence the growing industry of products and services designed to insure or enhance health, help us lose weight, encourage us to walk or stand more, and so on.

Previous generations were not obsessed with improving health and extending life the way ours is. In some ways, this fixation on staying alive is but another expression of the narcissism of our age. A healthy measure of self-love is necessary, of course, if we are going to be able to love our neighbors properly. But how much self-love is enough? And when does self-love become obsessing about staying alive by every possible means?

In the 7 March 2016 issue of Aeon, Lori Miller Kase describes the lengths to which some people are going these days in managing their personal health (“How DYI medical testing could save your life”). It is now possible to have your DNA tested for a wide range of potential diseases, to predict how you might respond to certain kinds of medication, or to recommend diet and exercise regimens appropriate for your particular genetic make-up. All this can be done by mail and through smart phones, without the expense or trouble of a visit to the doctor.

Ms. Kase writes, “It’s no mystery why direct-to-consumer testing is so appealing: as the price of health care rises, consumers can’t help but think twice before running to the doctor for tests.” Instead of consulting their physician, many are mailing off DNA samples here and there, hoping to discover potential health risks they can then take measures to forestall.

However, this growing fascination with “health selfies” – as one advocate refers to these tests – might just be another symptom of our fascination with ourselves, and our longing to stave off the Grim Reaper. Ms. Kase explains, “I would certainly want to know about anything that affected my future disease risk. Perhaps it would motivate me to be more conscientious about my screenings, or drive me to commit more fully to a healthier lifestyle.” Perhaps.

I suspect that companies providing these services are not unaware of our life-long anxiety concerning death. That, coupled with the narcissistic spirit of the times, can mount up to big money for those who are able to persuade us that we can never know ourselves well enough nor do enough for our bodies to ensure that we hang around in this life for as long as we can.

We should be good stewards of our health, of course. We should eat well, get sufficient sleep, and make sure our lives feature enough movement and exercise to keep our bodies functioning normally. But we should remember that all such attention to our bodies, in the grand scheme of things, is only a little beneficial (1 Tim. 4.8). We may be inclined to invest considerable time, effort, and resources in testing the health or potential health of our bodies, but what about our souls? Are we as careful to keep watch on our thought lives, affections, and priorities as we are the condition of our bodies? To what tests, or what examinations, do we submit to help us exercise the kind of self-watch over our souls that Solomon and Paul advise (Prov. 4.20-27; 1 Tim. 4.16)? And if we should discover some shortcoming in our souls, or some tendency, inclination, thought, or affection which might hamper or hinder vital spiritual wellbeing – would we even know what to do about it?

It is appointed to all people once to die; then comes judgment (Heb. 9.27). If we prepare our souls well for that event, by living according to the perfect Law of liberty (Jms. 2.12), we can be sure that, in this life, our bodies will be directed toward good works of love. And such attention to and use of our bodies is what matters most of all (cf. 1 Cor. 3.10-15; 6.19).

For reflection
1.  What is your approach to keeping a close watch over the health of your soul?

2.  It is the duty of church shepherds to watch over the souls of the people entrusted to their care (Heb. 13.17). How is that done in your church?

3.  How confident are you that your current regimen of disciplines is sufficient to ensure continuing health and growth for your soul?

The soul – mind, heart, and conscience – is the most important aspect of our lives. Healthy souls command obedient and loving works in our bodies. Meditate on Proverbs 4.20-27 and 1 Timothy 4.16. What would you suggest as a way of conducting the kind of self-watch commanded in these passages?

T. M. Moore

Stretch your vision of Christ and His Kingdom by ordering a copy of T. M.’s book, The Kingship of Jesus, from our online store (click here).

The Week features insights from a wide range of topics and issues, with a view to equipping the followers of Christ to take every thought captive for Jesus. Please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.