Health: A Treasure We Often Overlook

Articles | 14 Mar 2026

Health: A Treasure We Often Overlook


Just like a car engine gives various signs and warnings before it breaks down, the human body does the same. Our bodies often signal when something is wrong & nbsp; excessive fatigue, recurring pain, or small annoyances that keep popping up. But we often ignore these signs. Health is the "engine" of our lives, and every warning from our bodies should be taken seriously.


Health is a priceless gift. But in the hustle and bustle of daily life, this gift is often forgotten. Many people put their health on the back burner in favour of work, ambition, or other pursuits. Ironically, the value of health is usually only truly realised when health itself begins to be threatened.


This realisation often comes through experiences that are very close to our lives. It is when we see loved ones & family, friends or colleagues struggling with illness or health problems that we realise the value of good health. Unfortunately, this lesson is often learnt through experiences that are not easy.


One of the reasons why health is often overlooked is because of its "silent" nature. Unlike possessions, titles, or achievements that are visible and can be flaunted, health is often taken for granted as long as things are going normally. We rarely pause to be grateful for a body that works well, regular breathing, and the strength to go about our daily activities.


The Bible itself gives great attention to human health. In 3 John 1:2 it says:

"My dear brother, I pray that you may be well and in good health in all things, just as your soul is well." (TB-2)

This verse shows that human well-being involves not only spiritual life, but also physical health. From the beginning, God intended for man to experience complete well-being in both his soul and body. But in reality, not everyone truly desires or takes care of their own health. God does not force people to do something they do not want to do, even if it is good for them.


Neglecting our health is not only a risk to our lives, but also to our resources. American philosopher and writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, once said, "The first wealth is health". Without health, wealth, position, and various life achievements can lose their meaning.


Disease also does not recognise differences in social status. It does not look at whether one is rich or poor, famous or not. Anyone who does not take good care of their health can suffer the consequences. It is not even uncommon for people who have great wealth to have to spend their fortune just to restore health that has been neglected.


Another great thinker, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, made a similar assertion by saying that health is the most valuable possession. He even stated that a healthy cobbler is happier than a sick king. This statement reminds us that health is far more important than status, power, or wealth.


At the end of the day, health is something very valuable, no matter what we achieve in life. Our goal in life should not simply be to live longer, but to live a quality life with a well-maintained body, a clear mind, and a balanced life.


Therefore, we should appreciate the gift of health that God has given us. Maintaining a good lifestyle, paying attention to the signs of the body, getting enough rest, and taking care of ourselves wisely are all forms of our responsibility towards this gift.


Health is not just a physical condition, but a foundation that allows us to live our calling, serve others, and enjoy the blessings of life with gratitude. Therefore, let us take care of our health with sincerity, as a form of appreciation for this precious gift of God.


Translated from: ubscommunity.org

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