We are living in a world with the most advanced knowledge and technology. Almost 99% of causes of diseases are known through modern testing with updated machines and scrutinized with scientific research data. And medical practitioners know how to treat. But the more that is known about the causes of diseases and modern treatment technology, the more there seems to be new types of diseases and more people with problems. Whenever I visited a hospital, I wondered how and why so many people are sick and have problems. There are no empty spots in the hospital parking lot.
In an empty parking lot of a church, I thought about human problems: people's diseases, illness, pain and suffering. Although the main goal and role of Christianity is not to diagnose the sick and prescribe treatment, one of main ministries of Jesus was healing. The Bible said, "And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons," (Mark 1:34). A significant amount of the Bible stories describe healing episodes, in both the Old and the New Testament. Throughout time, many people have had testimonies of their own unique healing experience through faith in Christ Jesus. I am one of them.
Disease, its root is "dis-ease." It means a physical condition that is not easy, not smooth or not in proper order. When an organ or part of the body does not function properly, or does not have ease in handling what it should, there is sickness - disease. When a particular illness such as chicken pox or virus attacks, our body functions become disrupted and we get sick. When our body, mind and soul are in a bad state or in disorder, it can result in mental, psychological and spiritual problems. In the Bible, the terms of demon or evil spirit would more likely mean a disorder or a bad condition of mind and soul rather than evil or demoniac spirit.
As long as we, human beings, are living in this world, body, mind (thinking, feeling and will) and soul should be kept in good condition and in proper order. Otherwise there is going to be trouble. Unfortunately, modern knowledge and technology are limited in the roles and functions of relationship between the body and the mind, not paying much attention to the soul. When the soul and the mind are not in synch, it causes a feeling of senseless, meaningless or purposelessness of life. When the body and mind are not together in a proper way, it leads to mental, emotional and psychological problems. When the soul and body are separated from each other, this is death. Only the soul is the immortal, imperishable and unchanging living being in us. The body changes through time. The mind also changes depending on time, space and matter. But only the soul is always the same even in life after death, for it has come from God. Truly it is time to take care of our soul with the hope, faith and love of God in order to keep us in good shape.
