Health Crisis

For the first time in years, my wife and I face the prospect of having no health insurance. We were covered through her employer’s plan but, since she lost her job (“work force reduction”), we are faced with the loss of medical coverage as well.

As we explored the complex world of health insurance, I was overwhelmed by the myriad of choices and the incredible expense of the various plans. A good plan is almost unaffordable!

It’s not because we’re in bad health. We’ve just gotten older. That means higher premiums.

So, since we still have some time to go before we’re eligible for Medicare, we need coverage. The challenge is finding something affordable! I still have hope that we will.

The last time we were uninsured like this was when I was in graduate school and we still had four children at home. We struggled to pay each doctor’s bill. Every illness brought a concern for how we would pay for the health care we needed.

Today our situation is not much different than that of others who’ve lost employment during this recession. It’s no wonder health care is such a hot topic! Many are concerned with how to afford quality health care when they need it.

What if we were as concerned about our spiritual health as we are our physical health?

“Now hold on, just a minute,” you may say. “Isn’t our physical health more important?”

Some say, “Yes,” but I would beg to differ. Many today are facing a spiritual health crisis and don’t know it. And that crisis is a greater threat to them than any health care crisis.

Now don’t get me wrong. I believe you should do all you can to take care of your body. But I also believe you should make at least the same effort to care for your soul.

We are naturally afraid of things that threaten our health and wellbeing. Words like ‘cancer’ and ‘airplane crash’ strike fear in our hearts. We avoid going on vacation to places like Mexico or North Africa where violent people may harm us.

But Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell.”

What’s he saying? Is he saying that our body isn’t important? No. What he’s saying is that the condition of our souls is much more important than what happens to our bodies.

Why? Because our bodies won’t last forever. However, the Bible teaches that God made us with an immortal soul. It says that after this life comes eternal life. And that we will spend eternity either with God or else separated from him forever in a horrible place called hell.

It is not God’s intention for anyone to go to hell. That’s why he went out of his way to make available to everyone a ‘Spiritual Health Care Plan.’ Not only is it available to all, it is completely affordable. It is free to everyone through faith in Jesus Christ.

Instead of being difficult to comprehend (like medical insurance), God made his plan so simple even children understand it.

The Bible describes it like this: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Health insurance? Yes, I’m still concerned about it. And I’m trusting in God’s promise to provide for my needs. But since I put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ, my spiritual health is now assured. I’m “good to go” --into eternity. Are you?

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!