Fountain of Youth

PROVERBS 3:1-2 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”

Throughout history there have been legends about a Fountain of Youth, probably none more popular than the one supposedly located in Florida which Spanish conquistador Ponce De Leon allegedly searched for. Today people are still looking for the equivalent – a magical cure-all which will add years to their life.

Many are still chasing their tail in search of the right food, vitamin, or drug which can add years to their life when all along the answer has been written in the Bible. Living for God is the best preservative around and unlike any of science’s attempts at restoring youth it comes absolutely free with no undesirable side effects.

Sin is as destructive as drinking poison – it can destroy both the body and the mind. God gave us His commandments not to oppress us but to preserve us because He knew how harmful sin is to our body – after all, He is the One who designed it. By simply abstaining from sin we can improve our health dramatically, and this says nothing about what physical benefits we may get from allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us regularly.

This little nugget of truth from the Bible has actually been scientifically proven. Numerous studies have revealed those who are “faith-minded” are less likely to die prematurely. Those who attend regular church services show an even longer life span. Study after study conducted has shown how this advice in Proverbs to live righteously can truly improve your health.

Proverbs 8:35-36 adds, “For whoso findeth (wisdom) findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.” Proverbs 9:10-11 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.” What greater wisdom is there than Biblical wisdom? It is Biblical wisdom which teaches us we are better off to abstain from sin and put others before us and let God tend to our needs rather than selfishly focusing on them ourselves.

Do you go to great pains to take care of your body through diet maintenance, medications, or other means? If you are willing to invest all the time and money you put into these why not also work on removing the sin from your life as well? By holding on to sin you are negating any positive effect these other remedies offer.

Health benefits should not be our primary motivation for serving God but it is certainly an incentive we should consider. Living for God will prolong your life not just days, months, or years but eternally as well. Jump into this fountain of youth today!