FEATURED ARTICLE

DO YOU WANT TO GET WELL?
By Gordon Ferguson
addtoyourlearning.com

Introduction

This article is a written form of a spoken message delivered on March 28, 2004 to the Phoenix Valley Church of Christ. As with the previous sermon, “What Do We Now Believe?,” I wanted our members to be able to study out this material in more depth, and the written format will again allow that possibility. As mentioned in that previous article, I am taking the liberty to edit my own material by adding some things that were not included in the oral presentation of the lesson, and perhaps leave out a few other items.

The question reflected in the title comes from Jesus’ question of the invalid recorded in John 5:1-9. Often this man is seen as not wanting to get well badly enough to put forth his best effort, and hence Jesus’ question of him. Perhaps that is true, but the point that stands out to me is that no matter what our condition, Jesus wants to help and stands ready to help. He did heal the man after all, didn’t he?

However, the question Jesus asked nearly two thousand years ago resounds in our age as well. Especially is it appropriate when we may not be doing great spiritually. Note that the question is not “Do you want to be well,” but “Do you want to get well.” One thing that can be said for the guy mentioned in John 5: he gets a “P” for perseverance – he didn’t give up, and ended up with the blessing. Although my points will not revolve around that idea, it is a classic principle that those who hang in long enough usually find the higher ground spiritually that they are looking for. But let’s talk about the need and the path of getting well (which includes persevering).

What Is It To Be Well?

Physically, after an illness, it is great when we wake up one morning and feel so differently! Even after a good night’s sleep, it is wonderful to awake rested and then enjoy a brisk prayer walk (especially on the cool mornings we have been having recently). It just feels good – really good. Spiritually, feeling well is directly connected with being full of the Holy Spirit. A good indicator of our wellness quotient is Galatians 5:22-23, which reads: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” For me, the first three of these are the best indicators – love, joy, peace. In fact, just the definition of love found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 pretty well does it in my case. Do these words describe your present
spiritual attitudes and actions?

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Peter’s comments in 1 Peter 4:8 may be the acid test of our spiritual wellness, as he states: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” Grace and forgiveness of our fellow humans, and fellow Christians, are inseparably connected to our spiritual health. When I’m well, I just feel God’s love and in turn, I feel love for about everyone. And when I’m not well, critical, unloving thoughts lie near the surface of my heart. How about you?

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