I recently heard someone make the observation that when we speak of health care, what we are usually referring to is actually illness management. How true! When we talk about health care, we are usually talking about treating some type of illness.

In this view, true health care would consist of those actions we take to preserve the good health that we already possess. This would include proper nutrition, sensible exercise, taking preventative medical measures and making wise choices to limit risks to our well-being.

If we fail to take care of our health, we complicate matters when illness management becomes necessary.

The same principle holds true when we consider our spiritual health. Individuals and churches that do not practice health care for the soul find themselves with the more difficult task of managing spiritual illnesses.

Christians who practice the spiritual disciplines—such as prayer, fasting, solitude, Bible study, meditation, etc.—stand a better chance of maintaining their spiritual health. Congregations that promote unity and properly discipline unruly individuals (Titus 3:10) enjoy a level of spiritual health that makes growth possible.

Like the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

What will you do today to help keep your soul healthy?