There’s a wisdom known, to some, but to others it’s seen as selfishness; yet it’s not anything of the kind. Selfishness, almost by definition, must involve some relational impact; the devaluing of another person or people for one’s own gain.
This wisdom that’s in focus is nothing about others. It’s a ‘selfishness’ that values our personal health: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
The classic irony is this selfishness works to the favour of others by protecting our ability to interact in a positive sense.
Health is so interwoven into the fabric of ancient wisdom; the depth of same is comprehensively misunderstood. This health-related selfishness we can now call a version of ‘proper selfishness’. It’s proper because God sponsors it in truth—as a truism, the Lord rewards our investments into health.
‘Proper Selfishness’ Begins with Sound Spirituality
We ought to be selfish about providing for, and protecting, our holistic health.
We should get involved in a relationship with ourselves to this extent; to that goal.
We perhaps also have a responsibility to ‘speak’ quietly into the lives of loved ones—urging them, also, to be selfish with the only thing God gives us personal charge over, so far as it depends on us, despite heredity.
All of this, I suggest, starts—or is best motivated—by a spiritual reality honed in revelation. To realise how special our bodies and minds are; to ourselves, yes, but to others and God also.
Redefining ‘Investment’
Reversing concepts of investment occurs when we swap material for spiritual.
In other words, as we turn-in our view and observe those things most inherent to our souls—the everlasting ‘matter’ continuing with us through all realms—we comprehend, better, that health is of vital importance.
It’s no longer what the world values that matters—yet, we’ll struggle for a long time before we finally conquer the worldly urge; and it’ll continue to compete for our attentions.
This Selfish Investment Implies Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a nasty word in both modern and historical vernacular.
But let’s redefine it.
Motivated positively, sacrifice is easy. It almost no longer qualifies as sacrifice, except by the external observation of others as they look upon what we choose to go without. Little will they understand, perhaps, the thrill involved in owning control over ourselves: the spiritual victory.
As we see investment, spiritually, God gradually turns our thinking around so the whole-span-of-our-lives, as we now view them in the moment, are in clear perspective.
The transformation is occurring in our hearts; it’s a miracle, because now there’s little effort required; we’re working assisted by God’s inimitable strength.
What we long hoped for is now taking place.
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What we must do is start. Start thinking about health as a key priority... no, a value, for our lives; an investment for the lives of all our loved ones too, and ultimately God, and our eventual transition into the next life.
© 2011 S. J. Wickham.
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