I like this saying: The greatest gift you can give your family and your world is a healthy you! In this day and age, there’s a lot of focus on appearance—your clothes, makeup, your car, your house, even the kind of computer you have. But you can look great on the outside and be an absolute wreck on the inside. That’s how I used to be. I dressed myself up every day, but inside I was a mess in my mind, emotions and attitude.
The Bible says Jesus came to make us completely whole—spirit, soul and body. He wants to heal every part of us because He’s “into” wholeness. He wants to restore everything we lost through sin, ignorance, attacks of the enemy and mistreatment from others. Listen—God is a God of restoration.
For years I was a Christian and didn’t know this. I didn’t understand that God cared about my mind, emotions, finances, social life—every part of me and everything in my life. My attitude was, “If I can just make it through and survive until I go to heaven …” But Jesus came to save not only those who are lost but that which was lost.
I really want you to get this: The kingdom of God is not just a trip to heaven. It’s knowing who you are in Christ and having God’s righteousness, peace and joy while you’re on this journey here on earth.
The first step to wholeness is simple: We just have to come to Jesus and give Him our heart. He takes us just as we are and then He begins the journey to wholeness with us.
While the beginning is simple, the journey isn’t always easy. I realize this message about wholeness is not for the fainthearted. You will need to do things in obedience to God that are hard; and you’ll be tempted to make excuses not to do them. But when we disobey God, we’re gambling with our future.
The decision you have to make is, am I going to be a gambler and hope everything works out or an investor who obeys God, does what’s right and reaps the rewards of healing and wholeness in my life?
A gambler compromises, doing what they know isn’t right and hoping they won’t suffer the consequences. Sometimes when we make bad choices, we seem to get away with it for a while, so we keep doing them. For example, you can run up one credit card and get another and keep charging and get another when that one is maxed out. But eventually, you will have to pay.
An investor pays the price now so they can have a wonderful dividend later. They sacrifice now to enjoy double blessing later. It’s godly wisdom to do now what you will be happy with later.
It’s easy to hear this message and say, “Yes!” because we know it’s right. But when it’s time to apply it, that’s when we’re tempted to compromise. Remember, God will never leave you or forsake you, and He’ll give you what you need so you can do what you need to do. He’s given us the Holy Spirit, who is our comforter and strengthener; He enables us to do what we can’t do on our own. Philippians 4:13 says, “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me” (AMP). Stop saying,“I can’t!” You can do everything you need to do in Christ.
If you’ve been a gambler, I implore you to be an investor. Don’t live life like it is a game, rolling the dice and hoping you end up in a good spot. Don’t give in to lies or excuses.
Do what’s right because it’s right and it glorifies God. If you will make right choices, investing in your life in Christ, there’s nothing that can hold you back from God’s best. And you’ll be well on your way to healing and wholeness in spirit, soul and body.
Joyce Meyer is the author of more than 80 books, including Battlefield of the Mind and Eat the Cookie … Buy the Shoes (Hachette), and hosts the radio and TV program Enjoying Everyday Life.
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