Jehovah Will Sustain You

THE WISDOM OF CAUTION

We Christians have a normal desire to be healthy so that we can enjoy life and share fully in God's service. Nonetheless, we have inherited imperfection, as shown by our being subject to illnesses.  When we get sick, there might be various approaches or treatments. Each person has the right to choose which to accept or employ.  Sadly, in this greedy world, there are those who seize on people's illnesses as an opportunity to make money.  Some sell "treatments" or "cures" backed with false claims or supposed testimonials. Other individuals or companies stress  the use of products that are high-priced in order to make large prophets.  To a sick person who desperately seeks relief or a way to stay alive longer, these "cures" may seem appealing.  Let us not forget, however, that God's Word advises us: "The naive person believes every word, but the shrewd one ponders each step." -Proverbs 14:15.

"The shrewd one" will be particularly cautious if the "word," or recommendation, comes from someone whose qualifications are questionable.   "The shrew one" might reason:  'he says that this vitamin, herb, or diet supposedly helped someone, but are there adequate witnesses to establish the matter?  People differ. Is there valid reason to trust that it will help me?  Should I do more research or even consult with some who are known to be trained or qualified in this field? -Deuteronomy  17:6.

God's Word admonishes us "to live with soundness of mind . . .amid this present system of things." (Titus 2:12) Having "soundness of mind," or being sober-minded, should certainly come into play when the explanation of a diagnostic method or therapy seems strange or mysterious. Can the practitioner or the one promoting it explain satisfactorily how it works?  It is in accord with known facts, and do numerous people view it as credible?  (Proverbs 22:29)  Or is the main appeal to the emotions?  Perhaps the claim is that it was discovered or used in a distant or remote place, as if hidden from modern research.  Does  such a claim prove anything  or even seem reasonable?   Some diagnostic devices or forms of treatment are described as using a 'secret substance' or 'body force.'   That warrants serious caution because God warned against "the use of magical power" and spirit mediums. -Isaiah 1:13; Deuteronomy 18:10-12. 

Next time: Jehovah Will Sustain You/"GOOD HEALTH TO YOU"

From The Watchtower magazine