In this Gospel for Life podcast episode, host Darryl Dash interviews Myles Holmes, pastor of Redemption Newmarket, about the link between physical health and spiritual life, highlighting Jonathan Edwards. This discussion encourages believers to consider their physical habits as essential to their spiritual journey and overall well-being.
You can listen to the episode below:
The Holistic Pursuit of Health and Faith
Myles Holmes stressed that physical well-being shouldn't be idolized but used for personal and spiritual growth. He underscored the importance of diet, sleep, and exercise. Holmes emphasized the importance of aligning physical health with spiritual goals, urging believers to honor God through their bodies.
Holmes passionately described the significance of diet, sleep, and exercise in spiritual life. He pointed out how Jonathan Edwards, a theologian known for his disciplined life, balanced his physical routines with spiritual activities. Edwards followed a strict diet that improved his mental clarity and reduced migraines, boosting his efficiency in studying and ministry.
Examining the Heart and Intentions
A key takeaway from the episode was to reflect on the intentions behind pursuing physical disciplines. Holmes cautioned against legalism and laziness, advocating for a genuine desire to align physical habits with spiritual objectives. He argued that self-control, as demonstrated in Edwards' life, is not about limitations but about achieving one's purpose for greater satisfaction in the long run.
Holmes highlighted that actions must be motivated by a desire to please God rather than merely adhering to rules. This perspective aligns with Jonathan Edwards' approach, viewing resolutions as tools for greater spiritual happiness and fulfillment rather than burdens.
The Role of the Church in Accountability
Holmes and Dash examined how important the church community is for holding individuals accountable and offering insight into their physical habits. Fellow believers can guide and support each other, ensuring that actions are aligned with spiritual principles. This sense of community and mutual encouragement mirrors the strength in Holmes and Dash's own friendship and ministry.
This community-centered approach is essential, considering the dangers of overcommitment and legalism, which Holmes astutely noted. Personal spiritual practices vary greatly among people, so it's important to find balance and self-awareness, aided by the insights of other believers.
Jonathan Edwards as a Model of Discipline
Jonathan Edwards exemplifies the integration of physical disciplines and spiritual practices. Edwards exercised regularly, often walking and thinking about theology, and he limited his sleep to have more time for studying. Despite his strict routines, he struggled with moderation and maintaining balance, thus humanizing his disciplined persona.
Holmes highlighted the risk of misapplying Edwards' resolutions and stressed the need to grasp the true intention behind these practices. Edwards' disciplined life teaches us to seek closeness to God instead of following strict systems.
Theology of Embodiment
Myles Holmes urged Christians to create a theology that values both the body and the soul. He suggested that secular materialism emphasizes the physical, while Christian teachings may overly focus on the soul and disregard physical well-being.
Holmes' reflections align with the principles in Desiring God by John Piper, which profoundly influenced his theological perspective. This book revealed the joy of Christian life to Holmes and reshaped his understanding of faith, emphasizing the connection between physical health and spiritual growth.
Practical Implications of Physical Health
Ultimately, the integration of physical health into spiritual life has practical implications. Staying physically fit enhances spiritual well-being by improving focus on spiritual matters, as discussed in the referenced article from Desiring God.
Holmes shared his personal routines and challenges, underscoring the need for situational awareness and the importance of adequate rest.
This episode emphasizes the significance of integrating physical health into spiritual life, drawing inspiration from Jonathan Edwards' approach. This view encourages believers to reflect on their physical habits as an aspect of their devotion to God, promoting a balanced approach to faith and well-being.
Key Takeaways
- Spiritual and Physical Integration:
Myles Holmes underscores the importance of integrating physical health (diet, sleep, and exercise) with spiritual goals.
He suggests that maintaining physical health can yield spiritual benefits and enhance one's focus on spiritual matters. - Heart and Intentions:
Actions related to physical health should be driven by spiritual alignment rather than legalism or laziness. Examining one's heart and intentions is crucial. - Community and Accountability:
The role of the church community in providing accountability and perspective is vital. Fellow believers can help ensure actions are undertaken for the right reasons. - Jonathan Edwards’ Example:
Jonathan Edwards balanced physical discipline with spiritual goals not for self-improvement alone, but for greater closeness to God.
Edwards' practices can serve as a guide for integrating spiritual habits with physical well-being. - Avoiding Legalism:
Myles Holmes emphasizes the need for balance and avoiding legalism. Actions should seek to please God rather than just adhering to strict rules. - Personal Journey and Influence:
Holmes shares his journey, particularly influenced by John Piper's Desiring God, which reshaped his theological perspective.
Jonathan Edwards' focus on resolutions and fitness influenced Holmes' belief in combining physical health with spirituality. - Theology of Embodiment:
A need for Christians to develop a theology of embodiment is emphasized, recognizing that both the body and soul matter.
Reflecting on physical habits in relation to spirituality is seen as a meaningful pursuit. - Practical Implications:
Physical health practices can support spiritual well-being. Regular exercise and diet adjustments can improve cognitive function and spiritual clarity. - Individual Approaches:
Different people may benefit from varied approaches to spiritual disciplines. Structured systems might work for some, while others might need more flexibility. - Cultural and Theological Reflections:
Views on sleep, rest, and work have cultural and theological implications. Trusting in God and recognizing human limits are part of theological teachings on rest.
The episode promotes a balanced approach to spiritual and physical health, using Jonathan Edwards' life as a guide for reflection and disciplined living.
Transcript
Download the transcript below:
