By Pastor William Y. K. Brown Ph.D
(Resident Pastor)
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Osu-Bethel.
Tel: 0244165628/0243310773.
wykbrown@gmail.com
FRIDAY
THEME: CHOOSING WHAT SATISFIES
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 55:2 – “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance.”
REFLECTIONS
The world has discovered that many things have gone wrong in our time. Disobedience and human pride have placed us where nature, supposed to support our existence, is fighting against our very survival. Today, there is an intense craving and demand for organic foods and products because we have polluted and destroyed our environment using harmful chemicals and crooked food production methods. We should also be wary of refined foods.
As we cooperate with God to promote good living and well-being, we should be concerned that we cannot follow our ways and expect a problem-free life – it will not happen. Galatians 6:7-8 reads, “[7]Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. [8]For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” Any disobedience to God’s directive and instruction has repercussions that will come up along life’s pathway. Yesterday, we referenced the WHO Fact Sheets, stating that: “NCDs share five major risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet, and air pollution.” For the first four, it is a choice everyone can have control over. However, if we fail to do what is needful, we shall pay dearly for our wrong choices and decisions.
Some people wanting to find excuses for their loss of self-control argue that tobacco use is not found in the Bible, so there is no prohibition against it. If so, analyze what the prophet says in Isaiah 55:2 – “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance.” What about the health implications of tobacco use? Tobacco is one of the injurious items several researches have been done on. The 2020 Surgeon General’s Report says, among many findings: “Smoking cessation reduces the risk of premature death and can add as much as a decade to life expectancy. . . Smoking cessation reduces the risk of twelve cancers, including cancers of the lung; larynx; oral cavity and pharynx; oesophagus; pancreas; bladder; stomach; colon and rectum; liver; cervix; kidney; and acute myeloid leukemia,” and the list goes on.
Ignorance is a big problem, but being aware yet headstrong and reckless is unforgivable. Physical inactivity is dangerous. We can manufacture all the reasons why it is extremely difficult for someone to exercise, but remember, we are talking about health, life, and longevity – you cannot have these with a sedentary life. Your body functions better when exposed to physical activity. There are people on medication who should not if they were to subscribe to a regulated or planned, purposive, structured, and repetitive exercise plan. Regular exercise will undoubtedly reduce your medical bills. Walking is the best form of exercise; if you can do the recommended average of 10,000 steps a day, you will be well off.
“Over 200 health conditions are linked to harmful alcohol use, ranging from liver diseases, road injuries and violence, to cancers, cardiovascular diseases, suicides, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.” In 2016, over 3 million deaths were attributed to alcohol use. What about air pollution? Beloved, God has given us air for free. Make a conscious effort to strengthen your lungs by breathing exercises daily. Today’s choice is a decision for tomorrow’s life.
MY SONG OF COMMITMENT
SDAH 535 – “I am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus”
LET US PRAY
– Praise and thank God for knowledge; thank God for giving you self-control; pray for strength to abide the health principles;
– Pray for people with an addiction to tobacco, alcohol, and drug use; pray for families that have suffered from the effects of these addictions; pray especially for those who have decided to quit;
– Pray for ease of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and other places where wars are being fought; pray for displaced people;
– Pray for the country’s leadership, peace, and economic recovery; pray for an increased appreciation for the word of God.
