How can Christians Preach a Health Message without Referencing the Mosaic Law?

 

Christians can preach a health message without directly referencing the Mosaic Law by focusing on principles that align with overall biblical teachings, general health guidelines, and the example of Jesus' ministry. Here are some approaches.

First, we cannot change the words that Jesus said. The King James Version for Mark 7:19, says,

Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? 

The original Greek infers that Jesus purified all foods. So, where to begin?

  Emphasize Stewardship of the Body

 Biblical Basis: Teach the concept that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and that believers should honor God with their bodies.

 Application: Encourage practices like regular exercise, healthy eating, and avoiding harmful substances.

  Focus on Love and Care for Self and Others

 Biblical Basis: Highlight the command to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39) and extend this to caring for one's own health as well as the health of others.

 Application: Promote community health initiatives, support systems for healthy living, and selfcare routines that enhance physical and mental wellbeing.

  Highlight the Example of Jesus

 Biblical Basis: Point to how Jesus cared for people's physical needs, healing the sick and feeding the hungry (e.g., the feeding of the 5,000 in John 6:114).

 Application: Encourage following Jesus’ example by taking practical steps to promote health and wellbeing, such as healthy eating, resting, and stress management.

  Teach General Biblical Wisdom

 Biblical Basis: Draw on general wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, which promotes healthy living through wise choices (e.g., Proverbs 3:78).

 Application: Discuss the benefits of healthy habits like moderation, selfcontrol, and diligence in maintaining health.

  Utilize Contemporary Health Knowledge

 Biblical Basis: Acknowledge that all truth, including scientific and medical knowledge about health, is part of God's revelation (James 1:17).

 Application: Incorporate modern health guidelines and research findings into the message, presenting them as ways to care for the body God has given.

 Encourage Balanced Living

 Biblical Basis: Advocate for a balanced life that includes work, rest, and recreation, as seen in the pattern of creation (Genesis 2:23).

 Application: Promote balanced routines that integrate work, rest, exercise, and leisure, emphasizing their importance for physical and mental health.

 Advocate for a Peaceful Mind

 Biblical Basis: Stress the importance of mental health by referencing scriptures that promote peace, such as Philippians 4:67 and Matthew 11:28-30.

 Application: Encourage practices that reduce stress and anxiety, like prayer, meditation, and mindfulness.

By grounding health messages in these broader biblical principles, Christians can effectively promote health without directly referencing the Mosaic Law. Numerous health studies have been done as to which foods are bad for the human body. As Christians, food that affects our bodies in any unhealthy, chronic way, should be avoided.