4 Steps to Living Better
As we approach warmer weather and consider stuffing our bodies into bathing suit attire in about a month or two, we dream of losing weight and getting healthier. This trends to living better, better than whatever got us, well, into the shape we find ourseves in at present. Some of us may bypass this foundational approach, looking to magic pills, strange concoctions and fast-fix solutions. But, if we are to do this right, the best way to live life well is to get help from the One who created us in the first place.
The Bible is God’s Word to us, and in it, we find everything we need to guide our lives. The book of Proverbs is a message from a father to his son. Much like the advice we would give our own children, Proverbs touches on all areas of life from money to relationships to living a healthy life. Through a combination of instructions, warnings and advice, Proverbs provides valuable insight into who God is and how the world works.
4 Things Proverbs Teaches About Living Well:
1. Practice Humility.
Proverbs 3:7-8 says, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”
When our posture turns into humility before God, we’re better off than being proud. A proper respect of God is where wisdom starts (Proverbs 1:7). If we practice wisdom, we’ll avoid many kinds of circumstances and environments that could be harmful.
2. Be A Learner.
Proverbs 4:20-22 gives this instruction: “…Turn your ear to my words…for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.”
One of the best sources of advice is a person who has been around longer than we have. Listening to the words of older, wiser, and more experienced people can help us avoid problems we may not have anticipated. They’ve learned from their experience and the people they’ve known, and they can teach us a lot about a life well lived.
3. Speak Fitting Words.
Proverbs 16:24 compares gracious words to a honeycomb, calling them “sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Want to have healthy relationships? Speak kind words to friends and family. The things we say and the words we hear affect our emotional health, which in turn affects our physical bodies.
4. Redirect Your Attitude.
Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Our attitude toward other people and our circumstances goes a long way. By choosing to be joyful, we help ourselves and those around us stay positive and enjoy the life with which God has blessed us.
So, try these four things from Proverbs, and who knows, you may start to feel better, live better, and may start a pattern toward a healthier lifestyle. You still may not fit in that bathing suit by summer, but you just might like what you see when you look in the mirror; a better you!
If you haven’t already, begin to spend some time reading the Bible and you’ll find God has lots to say to you. Not sure where to start? Check out the Daily Devotionals on the NewSpring blog or text “Read My Bible” to 89800 to get devotionals sent to your phone. This devotional service is from a partnering ministry, NewSpring Church, where OBC 's pastor's daughters attend in two separate cities!
by John Weirick, Central Next Steps (edited)
