• Scripture: 3 John 2; Romans 6:4; 9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Colossians 1:20, 21; 3:8-10; 1 John 3:2; Matthew 4:23; Luke 6:7-19, 9:11; Philippians 4:4-9; Matthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 13:13; John 13:35.
   

The Associated Press announced that this week 79-year-old Jack Kevorkian is being released from a Michigan prison. In 1999 Kevorkian was convicted of second-degree murder for the 1998 poisoning of a Michigan resident who had Lou Gehrig’s disease. He has served 8 of his 10-25 year sentence. 

For nearly a decade prior to his incarceration Dr. Kevorkian waged a defiant campaign to assist the terminally ill who wanted to die. Within the United States, physician assisted suicide is legal only in the state of Oregon. When not in Oregon, Kevorkian became known as Dr. Death, the criminal. 

Today we are seeing other people in our communities, our churches and perhaps even our homes slowly killing themselves. Over-indulgence in food and lack of exercise are just two of the lethal substances.
North American’s are facing the greatest obesity epidemic in history. Sedentary work environments and technological innovations have created health hazards among young and old alike.

“According to the 2007 Obesity Report, a nationwide survey of physicians on public health matters, physicians surveyed consider obesity to be the single largest public health crisis in the United States today.

“More than half of the physicians surveyed (52%) believe that 50% or more of their patients are overweight. Obesity creates undue strain on vital organs and can lead to health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

“Physicians believe that lack of exercise and oversized food portions are the greatest contributors to the problem.” ¹

If you’ve been trying to find a good time to eat less and exercise more, then this week is a good time to start. Drop to your knees and ask the Master Physician to help you develop a summer fitness plan you’ll enjoy. Phone a friend and tell them of your commitment. Better yet, ask them to join you.

If you are not overweight pray and be a buddy, not a judge. Help start a walking club in your church or neighborhood. Purchase pedometers for your family and friends and challenge everyone to join you in achieving the goal of walking 10,000 steps each day,

Our lesson this week reminds us of other health-building activities besides exercise and a wholesome diet that considers portion control. They include but are not limited to “systematic rest, practical satisfying work, avoidance of damaging substances or practices, good habits of cleanliness, cultivated efforts to live in peace with and help others and a profound trust in God to make the best possible use of the life God has given us.” ²

As we study the principles of health in the Bible this week let’s place the texts on 3 X 5 cards. That way we can take them with us to review as we walk on the treadmill, track or sidewalk this week. --ck

Paul Richardson, Director

1. 2007 Obesity Study Summary 

2. Kuntaraf and Kuntaraf. “The Bible and Health.”