Holistic

<<all-inclusive>>

This is the concept that the parts of something can only be adequately addressed in relation to the whole.

The prime example is the intimate interconnection between each area of our lives, with the many components making up our integrated being, and each needing to be addressed to bring about completeness and wholeness as

Have I allowed Jesus to touch all of me?

God intends (1 Cor 12:12-26). Not only are the physical parts of our bodies interrelated, and need to function together in harmony but also our emotions and relationships with others need to be sound. “May your whole being, spirit, soul and body be kept blameless” (1 Thes 5:23; 3 Jn 1:2). Generally the holistic approach to wellbeing is when the spiritual, physical, mental and social areas are each considered as inter-related with the deficiencies and weaknesses addressed to produce a healthy overall harmony.

We need to give attention to diet, rest, exercise, work, leisure, mental stimulation and spiritual disciplines to have a correct balance in our lives. As believers, we are to care for our bodies which are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). Don’t let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness. Loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, besides loving our neighbour as ourself, is being a good, holistic steward of all that God has entrusted to us (Mt 22:37-39; Rom 6:13). Jesus is our model of a balanced fully functioning person because each area of His life was developed and whole (Lk 2:52).

“Your words are health to all their flesh” – having an appropriate solution to each situation and component of us (Prov 4:22).

If only one area of our lives is a dealt with in isolation this can bring about imbalance and distortion resulting in the failure to bring about the desired total relief. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross most importantly attended to the spiritual (our relationship with God), yet there is also provision for the physical, mental and social aspects to be addressed

The full gospel brings restoration and transformation to each part

through faith and applying the truths of Scripture (Mt 8:13, 9:29; 2 Tim 3:16,17). Jesus came to reverse the effects of the fall for those who will embrace Him; the all inclusive nature of our comprehensive salvation is mentioned throughout the Bible; (Ps 103:2-5; Isa 53:4,5; Jn 1:12; 1 Pet 2:24).

The term ‘full gospel’ embraces the truth that Christ not only died to free us from sin’s eternal penalty but also provides healing from sickness and deliverance from demonic bondage and continues to perform miracles and bring relief as He did when on earth (Heb 13:8). The mandate given to the disciples applies to all believers still, "Go into the world and preach the good news to all creation...And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on people, and they will get well (Mk 16:15,17,18). Jesus said, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (Jn 13:15). His ministry to the needy touched every area: spiritual (Mt 9:6; Jn 1:29), physical (Mt 4:24, 12:15,22), mental (Mk 5:15), social (Jn 8:1). Why not press into God and live utilizing the blessings and provision He came to earth to gain for us.