Sin and Health
A guest post from Chad Ramsey.
There is no question one’s actions can have a negative impact on his or her health.
If we choose to eat or drink things harmful to our bodies, our bodies will suffer. Other actions affect the body adversely and should also be avoided (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
But there are some types of behavior not so obviously connected to one’s physical welfare, yet just as harmful. These sinful actions, although not immediately affecting the physical body, impact the individual by afflicting their mind and soul.
Consequently, the body is subsequently harmed by anxiety and guilt (cf. Proverbs 12:25).
David’s Physical Suffering Was Because of His Sin.
This is the scenario under discussion in Psalm 38. The psalm, which is attributed to David, records the reflections of one who realized his health had failed because of his sinful behavior.
Importantly, the psalmist does not specify the sin he was guilty of committing. The point seems to be that the presence of sin in his life was enough to make him ill.
Pondering his condition, David wrote:
“There is no soundness in my flesh because of your anger, nor any health in my bones because of my sin” (Psalm 38:3).
The parallelism in this statement is undeniable. Attributing his status to his own sinful behavior, the author acknowledged God’s anger was justified. By his admission, his weakened physical state resulted from his own “foolishness” (verse 5).
Thus, David had no one to blame for his problems other than himself.
Sin’s Effect Upon Our Life.
To deny sin can have such an effect upon one’s life is to ignore the straightforward statements of Scripture. As the wise man elsewhere noted: “…the way of the unfaithful is hard” (Proverbs 13:15).
Although there are certainly eternal consequences associated with sinful behavior (cf. Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23), the negative consequences of sin are not always reserved for a future time. David’s testimony stands as a reminder that sin has both an internal and external effect on those who engage in it. He continued:
“I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are full of inflammation, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart” (Psalm 38:6-8).
His words are those of an individual who was troubled and worried. David was at a breaking point, overwhelmed by sin. Consequently, he turned to the only place he could: God.
David thus begged for relief, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Are You Suffering Because of Sin?
Those who seek to live faithful Christian lives must be aware of the struggles of others (see Galatians 6:1-2). If these struggles are the result of sinful actions, intervention is required. Ultimately, confrontation must take place.
Struggling individuals should be reminded of the many promises of forgiveness and rest found in Scripture (cf. Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 1:7-9; Matthew 11:28-30).
Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.
Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.
Amen
Good piece! This is a very narrow road and most difficult to deal with, hence our need to stay bonded to God each and every day. As returned Prodigal, I learned quite bluntly, the wages of sin are LOUSY. That being said, returning to the Household of God was not remotely easy. I cried out one terrible night long ago, "Jesus, help me" and He immediately came near. It also took a laborious and step by step journey to return, absolutely one single day at a time. The more I have grown in RELATIONSHIP with Papa God and His Son, the better I get at catching myself quickly and not falling into sin again. I have learned to repent and not linger. This is also why we need one another, as the Body of Christ is there to help each other on the arduous walk of faith. We hold each other up in prayer and offer feedback when we feel guided by Holy Spirit. Thank you for this powerful writing!