Work
Work is the pillar of active health. (Ex 20:9)
God works (Ge 1:1, Ge 2:7-9, Ex 20:11, Ex 34:10, Jos 24:31, Ne 9:6, Ps 8:3,4, Ps 9:1, Ps 19:1, Ps 40:5, Ps 46:8,9, Ps 107:31, Rev 21:5)
The Father works. (Ge 2:2, Ps 119:73, Isa 64:8, Ro 6:4, Heb 1:10, 1Jn 4:14, Jude 1:1)
Jesus works. (Isa 53:11, Mk 6:3, Jn 4:34, Jn 5:17, Jn 9:4, Jn 10:25, Jn 19:30, Col 1:16, Heb 7:25)
The Holy Spirit works. (Ge 1:1,2, Mt 1:18, Lk 3:22, Ac 2:4, Ro 8:11, Tit 3:5,6)
Since we are made in God's image and likeness, we are also to work. (Ge 1:26,27, Mk 13:34, 2Ti 3:17)
We are to work with God. (Hag 2:4, Jn 3:21, 1Co 3:6,7,9)
God is known by His works. (Ro 1:19,20)
We are known by our works. (Pr 20:11, Mt 7:16-20, Rev 2:2,9,13,19, Rev 3:1,8,15)
God is judged by His works. (Rev 15:3,4, Ro 3:3,4)
We are judged by our works. (Ro 3:23, Ecc 12:14, Eze 18:30-32, Mt 7:21, Mt 25:31-46, 2Co 5:10, Tit 1:16, Rev 20:11,12)
Our works do not save us. (Ex 20:25, Isa 64:6, Ro 3:20, Ro 9:30-33, Gal 2:16, Gal 5:4)
God's works save us. (Ro 5:9,10, Ro 6:23, 1Pe 2:24, Rev 21:27)
God works in us. (Isa 26:12, Eze 36:26,27, 1Co 12:6, Heb 8:10, Heb 10:16)
We cannot add anything to the cross (Eph 2:8,9); we can only respond to it. (Jn 12:32,33)
God's works are motivated by love. (1Jn 4:9,10, Ro 5:8)
Our works are also to be motivated by love. (Gal 5:6,13, 1Jn 3:18)
All such works are from God, who is the source of love. (1Jn 4:16, Eph 2:10, Eph 4:11,12)
Our works complete our faith. (Mt 23:1-3, Jas 2:14-26)
Our works are to glorify God. (1Co 10:31, Ps 34:3, Mt 5:16, Jn 15:8, 1Pe 2:12)
There are no little works. (Lk 16:10)
There are no forgotten works. (Gal 6:9, Eph 6:8, Rev 14:13)
True work integrates physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.
Physical work
We are designed for movement and work. (Ac 17:28)
Our bones provide structure and support.
Our joints serve as leverage fulcrums.
Our muscles serve as movement accelerators, decelerators, synergists, and stabilizers.
Our senses and sensors provide positional awareness for coordination.
Our nervous system commands and manages our willful actions and automatic processes.
Physical activity improves health.
The Bible says that the life is in the blood. (Lev 17:11)
We each are composed of approximately 40 trillion cells.
Amazingly, 70% of our cells are red blood cells; another 5% are blood vessel cells.
Every cell in our body, including brain cells, has access to a closely associated blood capillary.
Our blood carries needed nutrients and oxygen to every cell in our body.
Our blood removes harmful wastes and carbon dioxide from every cell in our body.
The health of every body cell, organ, and system depends on the proper circulation of blood.
Modern lifestyles are largely sedentary.
Sedentary - "Accustomed to sit much, or to pass most of the time in a sitting posture." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)
Automation has largely supplanted healthy, manual labor and movement.
Examples: noisy chain saws, noisy leaf blowers, escalators, elevators, electric toothbrushes
Seated, desk jobs in front of computers have banished movement, with invisible chains.
Inactivity results in poor blood circulation.
Poor blood circulation results in weakness and disease.
Examples: varicose veins, hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, lack of energy
Examples: heart attack, stroke, arthritis, impotence (sexual dysfunction)
Physical activity improves blood circulation.
A contrast shower (a form of hydrotherapy) provides widespread, internal exercise of the circulatory system.
Alternating between very warm and cold water temperatures switches between blood vessel dilation and contraction.
Each cycle includes a few minutes of very warm water followed by a minute of cold.
Do 3-5 cycles, always ending with cold.
A weak body organ will sag and stretch, deforming its structure.
Deformed structure results in diseased function.
For example, a weak, drooping heart, will deform its valves, causing critical dysfunctions.
Physical activity improves structure, thus restoring and safeguarding function.
Standing is better than sitting; walking is better than standing.
Walking exercises the majority of the body's machinery and greatly improves circulation.
The nation of Israel spent 40 years walking in the wilderness. (Ps 105:37 not a feeble person)
Jesus and His disciples spent a lot of time walking from place to place.
The apostle Paul spent a lot of time walking during his missionary journeys.
We need a digestive walk after every meal.
Walking in God's beautiful creation calms the mind and elevates the spirit.
Walking outdoors in the fresh air is the best physical exercise. (compare Ge 3:8 first part)
Modern diets are high in fats and sugars.
2/3 of Americans are overweight.
Half of those are very overweight (obese).
Obesity promotes many diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and macular degeneration.
Diabetes promotes infections, nerve damage, coma, kidney failure, and blindness.
High blood pressure promotes heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness.
Obesity promotes imbalances in many hormones.
Examples: Excess belly fat diminishes testosterone (the primary male sex hormone) and increases estrogen (the primary female sex hormone).
This is due to increased activity of the hormone aromatase, wherein testosterone is converted to estrogen.
Fat is stored energy.
Excess calories get converted to fat.
Physical activity controls weight by burning excess calories.
Usage laws:
Functional usage law:
Use it or lose it.
Energy usage law:
Use it to lose it.
Unused (excess) energy is stored as fat.
Vital force usage law:
Wasted vital force dissipates the life force.
Intermittent usage law:
Smaller, intermittent usages work as well as a larger continuous usage.
Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar level.
Physical activity increases the number and effectiveness of cell insulin receptors.
This moves the body away from a diseased, diabetic condition towards normal health.
Physical activity provides many other health benefits:
Physical activity maintains and strengthens muscular fitness for movement and work.
Physical activity maintains and strengthens bones to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis).
Physical activity maintains and strengthens joints to prevent arthritis.
Physical activity maintains the immune system to prevent sickness and disease.
Physical activity refreshes tissues, preventing them from becoming stagnant swamps.
Physical activity improves stability, balance, and coordination to prevent falls.
For seniors, falling is a leading cause of fatal injuries.
Physical activity improves physical form (how we look).
Physical activity improves posture.
Physical activity improves bowel function, reducing exposure to toxins.
Physical activity improves sleep. (Ecc 5:12)
Physical activity improves mental ability.
Physical activity improves mental health, including reduced anxiety.
Physical activity increases neurogenesis (creation of new nerve cells).
Physical activity reduces risk of dementia.
Physical activity increases HDL (good) cholesterol.
Physical activity increases testosterone.
Physical activity increases vitality.
Physical activity enhances mood (how we feel).
Physical activity promotes longer life.
Physical activity promotes better overall quality of life.
Physical activity helps to maintain vitality and strength even through old age. (Dt 34:7, Jos 14:10,11, Ps 92:12-14)
Beneficial physical activities are safe.
Beneficial physical activities do not cause pain.
Pain is a protective signal warning of harm.
Beneficial physical activities do not cause dizziness.
Abnormal breathing patterns can cause dizziness.
Insufficient water intake (dehydration) can cause dizziness.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause dizziness.
Beneficial physical activities do not cause disorientation.
Artificial sensory inputs can cause subtle or pronounced disorientation.
Beneficial physical activities do not over stress the body.
Running is often a cause of injury.
Walking is a safe, low impact, activity.
Improper lifting is often a cause of back injury.
Do not attempt to lift beyond your means.
Do not attempt to lift with adverse leverage on your lower back.
Beneficial physical activities are functional.
Beneficial physical activities span the following functional areas:
flexibility
movement within extension ranges and multiple planes
maintains muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues
strength (Ps 18:32-36, Pr 24:5, Isa 40:29-31, Heb 12:12,13)
movement under body and/or object weight/resistance
maintains muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues
endurance
movement of continuous, moderate duration
maintains heart (cardio), circulation (vascular), and lungs (aerobic/breathing/respiratory)
balance
movement that is stable and sure
maintains brain, nerves, and sensors
coordination
movement that is graceful and aesthetic
maintains brain, nerves, and sensors
posture
movement that maintains structural alignment and symmetry
maintains brain, nerves, and sensors
In God's plan, there is no need for artificial supplements.
Gymnasium-style exercises are supplements.
Focus on fundamentals, not supplementals.
If you are sedentary, seek a plan to restore practical physical acitivities via your lifestyle practices.
Examples: Start and work in your own vegetable garden.
There is more to work than physical activity. (1Ti 4:8)
Mental work
We are designed for practical work. (Ge 2:8,15, Tit 3:14, Jas 1:22)
After the fall, hard work was prescribed for our livelihood. (Ge 3:17-19, Ecc 1:13, Ecc 3:10,13)
Through hard work, we realize our dependence on God. (Ne 6:9, Ps 90:17, Isa 55:10,11, Mt 5:45, Jn 15:5, Ac 14:17)
Through hard work, we appreciate God's blessings. (Joel 2:23-26)
Practical work integrates the body and the mind.
Practical work integrates the body and the mind. (Ex 31:1-6, Ex 35:30-35, Ne 4:6, Pr 31:10,13,16,19)
We are not to work in a sedentary, stagnant manner. (Ecc 12:12)
We are not to work in a mindless, robotic manner. (Ps 49:20, Pr 21:5)
Practical work is active, intelligent work. (Pr 6:6-8, Pr 18:15, Pr 30:24-28, 2Ti 2:15)
Practical work is beneficial.
Practical work is an enjoyable blessing from God. (Ecc 2:24, Dt 8:18)
Practical work benefits each individual worker. (Dt 16:15, Pr 12:14 second part, Pr 13:11, Pr 14:23, Gal 6:7, 1Th 4:11,12, 2Th 3:10-12)
Practical work benefits each worker's family. (Pr 31:10,11,15,21,27,31, 1Ti 5:8)
Practical work draws families together in family trades.
Examples: The Levites took care of the sanctuary and its services. (Nu 1:50, Dt 27:9)
Examples: Like His human, adoptive father, Jesus was a carpenter. (Mt 13:55)(Mk 6:3)
Examples: Like His Spiritual Father, Jesus is a Teacher. (Ex 4:11,12, Ps 25:4, Ps 25:5, Isa 2:3)(Mt 11:29, Lk 2:46-49)
Examples: Like His Spiritual Father, Jesus is a Healer. (Ex 15:26)(Mt 8:16,17)
Practical work directly benefits others and enables other good works. (Ac 20:34,35, Eph 4:28, 1Co 12:14-25)
Examples: The virtuous woman is a kind clothing maker. (Pr 31:10,24,26)
Examples: Dorcas was a beloved clothing maker. (Ac 9:36-42)
Examples: Simon was a hospitable maker of leather (tanner). (Ac 10:32)
Examples: Lydia was a hospitable maker of purple material. (Ac 16:14,15)
Examples: The apostle Paul was a missionary tentmaker. (Ac 18:1-3, Ac 20:33,34)
True education is the primary work of every family. (Dt 4:10, Pr 22:6, Eph 6:4)
Farming/gardening is a most important practical work. (Ge 2:8,15, Ge 3:23, Ge 9:20, Pr 13:23 first part, Jer 29:28, Am 9:14,15)
Husbandman - "A farmer; a cultivator or tiller of the ground; one who labors in tillage." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)
We are to do quality work.
We are to do quality work. (Mt 5:48)
We cannot do quality work through our own, independent effort. (Nu 16:28, Jn 15:1,4,5, Php 2:13)
Quality work is directed by God. (Jas 1:17, Ps 90:17, Ps 128:1-6, Pr 24:3,4 compare Col 2:2,3, Lk 2:49, Jn 10:37,38, Jn 14:10)
Quality work is pleasing to God. (Jn 8:29, Col 1:10, Heb 13:20,21, 1Jn 3:22, Rev 3:15,16)
Quality work is honest work. (Pr 16:8, Pr 11:1, Ac 6:3, 2Ti 2:5)
Quality work is affordable work. (1Co 10:33, Ex 20:17, Lev 25:35-37, Pr 14:31, Pr 19:17, Ecc 11:1, Eze 18:13, 1Ti 6:10)
Quality work is industrious work. (Pr 10:4, Pr 19:15, Ecc 9:10, Ro 12:11, Gal 6:7)
Quality work is excellent work. (Isa 28:29, Da 6:3, Php 1:10)
Quality work is durable work. (Isa 23:18)
Quality work is highly valued. (Pr 22:29)
Quality work takes time. (Pr 21:5)
Quality work includes preventative work. (Ecc 10:18)
Quality work includes restorative work. (Isa 58:12, Isa 61:4, Am 9:14,15)
There is more to work than practical work. (Mt 6:19-21, Mt 6:31-33)
Spiritual work
God's work is saving faith in Jesus. (Jn 6:28,29,40)
All of our work is to be a ministry for Jesus. (Col 3:23,24)
We are to minister as Jesus ministered. (1Jn 2:6, 1Jn 4:17)
Jesus mingled with people and had compassion for them.
Jesus mingled with people. (Mt 4:25, Mt 9:10-13, Lk 11:37, Lk 14:1, Lk 19:1-5)
Jesus was referred to as Immanuel/Emmanuel, which means "God with us". (Isa 7:14, Mt 1:22,23)
Jesus had compassion for people. (Mt 9:36, Mt 14:14 first part, Mt 15:32, Mt 20:34, 1Pe 5:7)
Jesus wept for people. (Lk 19:41,42, Jn 11:33-35)
We are to mingle with people. (Mt 28:18-20, Lev 19:34, Col 4:5,6, Tit 1:7,8 hospitality, Jas 1:27)
We are to have compassion for people. (1Jn 3:17, Ps 112:4, Ro 12:15, Jas 2:15,16, Jude 1:22,23)
Jesus ministered to peoples' needs.
Jesus went about doing good. (Ac 10:38 first part, Mt 14:15-21, Mt 20:28 to minister)
Jesus healed people. (Ac 10:38 second part, Mt 4:23,24, Mt 8:16,17, Mt 14:14 last part, Lk 7:21,22, Lk 8:43-48, 1Pe 2:24)
We are to go about doing good. (Ps 37:3,27, Ecc 3:12, Gal 6:10, 1Ti 2:9,10, 1Ti 6:17,18, Tit 2:14, Tit 3:1,8, Heb 6:10 to minister, Heb 13:16, 3Jn 1:11)
We are to share with others what we receive from God. (Mt 10:8, Ge 12:1-3, Ps 112:5,9, Pr 31:10,20, Mic 5:7, Mt 5:42, Lk 6:38, 2Co 8:13-15, 2Co 9:6-9, Php 2:3,4, 1Pe 4:10 to minister)
We are to give to those in physical need. (Dt 15:7,8,11, Mt 25:31-40, Lk 14:12-14)
Give food to the hungry.
Give water to the thirsty.
Give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to the naked.
Give healing to the sick. (Mk 16:18 last part, 1Co 12:9, Jas 5:14,15)
Give visitation to those in prison.
Give strength to the weak. (Isa 35:3, Ac 20:35, 1Th 5:14)
Give freedom to the oppressed. (Ps 72:4, Isa 1:17, Pr 31:8,9)
We are to give to those in mental need.
Give Jesus, the Counsellor, to the brokenhearted. (Isa 9:6, Lk 4:18)
Give Jesus, the courageous Lion, to the discouraged. (Rev 5:5, Dt 1:21)
Give Jesus, the Truth, to those who are deceived. (Jn 14:6 the Truth)
We are to give to those in spiritual need.
Give Jesus, the Bread from Heaven, to those who hunger spiritually. (Jn 6:32,33)
Give Jesus, the Water of Life, to those who thirst spiritually. (Jn 4:10,14, Jn 7:37,38)
Give Jesus, the Light, to those who are spiritually blind. (Jn 8:12, Rev 3:18 second part)
Give Jesus, the Deliverer, to those who are captives of sin. (Lk 4:18 again, Jn 8:36)
Give Jesus, the Way, to those who are lost. (Jn 14:6 the Way, Jn 17:3 again, Ac 4:12)
Give Jesus, the Life, to those who are perishing. (Jn 14:6 the Life, Jn 3:16, Ro 5:10)
Jesus also ministered through intercessory prayer. (Jn 17:20,21, Lk 22:31,32, Lk 23:34, Heb 5:7)
We are to minister through intercessory prayer. (1Ti 2:1, 1Sa 12:23, Isa 56:7, Mt 5:44, Jn 16:23,24, Jas 5:16)
Jesus won peoples' confidence.
Jesus won peoples' confidence. (Mt 12:14-21, Ps 65:5, Mt 7:28,29, Lk 4:32, Lk 19:47,48, Jn 7:45,46)
Jesus taught God's word. (Mt 4:1-11, Mt 21:13, Mk 7:6, Mk 11:17,18, Lk 24:46, Jn 5:39, Jn 6:45)
Jesus taught the truth. (Jn 18:37, Jn 8:13-18, Jn 8:30-32, Jn 8:39,40, Jn 8:45,46, Jn 3:3-5 verily, verily, Jn 5:24,25 verily, verily)
We are to teach what Jesus commanded. (Mt 28:18-20)
We are to teach the truth. (1Ti 2:15, Ac 2:42, Ro 16:17,18, Gal 1:8-12, Eph 4:14,15, 1Ti 6:3-5, 2Ti 4:2-4, Tit 1:9, Tit 2:1, 2Jn 1:9-11)
We are to teach God's word. (Nu 23:19, Ps 119:160, Jn 5:39, Jn 17:17, Jn 18:37, Tit 1:2, Heb 6:17,18, 1Pe 4:11)
As spiritual farmers, we are to plant the seeds of truth everywhere. (Isa 61:11, Ro 15:20,21, Jas 5:7,8)
Jesus called people to follow Him.
Jesus called people to follow Him. (Mt 4:18-20, Lk 5:8-11, Jn 10:27, Jn 21:19 last part, 1Th 1:4,5)
Jesus' call is universal. (Hag 2:7 the desire of all nations, Jn 3:16, Jn 7:37,38, Jn 12:32,33, 1Ti 2:3,4, 2Pe 3:9)
At every step of the way, there is free will and opportunity to continue to follow Jesus or to not follow Him. (Dt 30:15-19, Jos 24:15, 1Ki 18:21, Isa 65:12, Eze 18:24-30, Mt 23:37, Mt 24:13, Ro 8:28-30, 1Co 10:11,12, 2Pe 1:10, 2Pe 3:17)
Those who repeatedly reject Jesus' call are in danger of becoming permanently deaf to the Holy Spirit. (Jer 5:21-23, 1Ti 4:1,2)
Christian - "A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)
Disciple - "A follower; an adherent to the doctrines of another. Hence the constant attendants of Christ were called his disciples; and hence all Christians are called his disciples, as they profess to learn and receive his doctrines and precepts." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)
To follow Jesus includes repentance (turning away) from sin. (Mt 11:20-24, Ps 80:3, Pr 28:13, Jer 26:3, Eze 33:14-16, Jn 14:15, Ac 17:30, Heb 5:8,9, 1Jn 3:4-6)
The goodness of God leads us to repentance. (Ro 2:4)
People are either ignorant, repentant, or defiant.
Ignorance is not an excuse for sin. (Ro 1:18-20, Lev 4:2,13,14,22,23,27,28, Lev 5:17-19)
Everyone is to know right from wrong and repent from sin. (Ac 17:30, Ac 3:19, Jn 16:7,8)
Those who know, but do not repent, are defiant sinners. (Ro 1:32, Jas 4:17)
Defiant sin is unforgivable. (Nu 15:30,31, Lev 23:27-29, Ps 19:13, Mt 12:30-33, Lk 13:3, Heb 6:7,8, Heb 10:26,27)
We are to do works that result from genuine repentance. (Mt 3:8, Ac 26:20)
To follow Jesus includes abiding in His righteousness. (Jn 15:1-8)
We can obtain righteousness only from Jesus. (Php 3:9, Ps 71:16,19, Jer 23:6, Jn 15:4,5, Ro 3:21-26, Ro 5:17-19, 2Co 5:20,21, Gal 2:20, Php 1:11)
Walking with Jesus is the best spiritual exercise. (Mic 6:8, 2Co 3:18)
To follow Jesus includes being led by the Holy Spirit. (Ac 1:1,2, Eze 36:26,27, Ro 8:8,9, Ro 8:14, Gal 5:25, 1Jn 3:24 last part)
To follow Jesus includes working for Jesus. (Jn 17:18, Jn 20:19-21)
We are to witness of Jesus. (Ac 1:8, 1Pe 3:15)
We are to testify of Jesus. (Jn 15:26)
We are to preach the gospel of Jesus. (Mk 16:15, Isa 52:7, Isa 61:1, Ro 10:14,15, 1Co 1:17, Eph 6:19,20)
Gospel - "[Latin evangelium, a good or joyful message.] The history of the birth, life, actions, death, resurrection, ascension and doctrines of Jesus Christ; or a revelation of the grace of God to fallen man through a mediator, including the character, actions, and doctrines of Christ, with the whole scheme of salvation, as revealed by Christ and his apostles." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)
We are to proclaim the peace of Jesus. (Isa 52:7, Isa 9:6, Jn 14:27, Php 4:7)
We are to be ambassadors of Jesus. (2Co 5:18-20)
To follow Jesus includes bearing much spiritual fruit. (Jn 15:8,16, Ps 92:12-14 even in old age)
We are to bear fruit in our character. (Gal 5:22,23, Eph 5:9)
We are to point others to follow Jesus. (Jn 1:36)
We are to compel others to follow Jesus. (Lk 14:23, Jude 1:23)
To follow Jesus includes doing greater works than He did. (Jn 14:12)
We are to do greater works of teaching in geographic scope. (Mt 24:14 compare 2Pe 3:12)
We are to do greater works of teaching in time spent with individuals and groups. (Ac 8:26-35, Ac 20:31)
We are to do greater works of healing by restoration of health through God's true health principles. (Isa 58:11,12, Isa 61:4, Jas 5:20)
We are to do greater works of healing by prevention of disease through God's true health principles. (Eze 3:17,20,21)
True health helps others in need. (Isa 58:6-11)