Physical Health vs. Spiritual Health

I was driving home from the gym today (Saturday) and happened to turn on a local Christian radio station. I never listen to this particular station on Saturdays simply because most of their programming is focused on food supplements (“The Miracle of Vitamin D” or “How to Reduce Joint Pain”). I turn it off to escape the clutches of what I perceive to be snake oil salesmen.

I never really thought of it before, but it seems to me strange: Why is it that American Christians seem to be so fixated on physical health?

Now, don’t get me wrong. I try to get to the gym five or six times a week. I have no problem with maintaining physical health, especially in light of the fact that 95% of all Americans (including myself) have jobs that tie them to chairs most of the day. I guess what I do have a problem with is this apparent idolization of pills that “guarantee” good health in spite of the scientifically proven necessity of vigorous physical exercise. The irony of these get-healthy-quick-and-easy radio programs is that it’s not just about physical health, but it’s about physical health without having to work for it. But wait, there’s more (irony).

It seems that we have somehow been convinced that taking a pill is more effective than taking a walk; that running to the health food store is better for us than just plain running. Why is this? Why is this, indeed?

Actually, the reason for this particular blog isn’t the easy-believism of Christians regarding their physical health. Rather, it’s the additional irony that on the one day of the week where people would be available, time-wise, to listen attentively to the teaching and preaching of God’s Word, they appear to be more interested in listening to nutritional gurus; at least according to the radio station. People seem to be more interested in easy spirituality than that which comes through diligence and hard work (also known as sanctification, a la Philippians 2:12-13).

Think about it. During the work-week most people, if they do want to listen to good preaching on the radio, are forced to divide their minds between their jobs or children and what they’re trying to listen to. Why is it that when it comes to the one free day they actually have, the radio station airs programming that doesn’t concentrate on the Word of God at all? What kind of statement does this make? I think what it’s saying is, “God, I will give you half of my attention when I should be giving you all of my attention. And when I can pay attention I will listen to something else because that’s where my priorities are.”

I don’t know. Maybe I’m being paranoid and judgmental, but this seems to me kind of a frightening aspect about the modern American church. Could it be that we are, indeed, the Church of Laodicea?