Vital Signs

Vital Signs

‘ A Word from the Pastor’

What do blood pressure, heart rate, respirations, body temperature and oxygen level have in common? Together, they are called vital signs and indicate if all things in ones body are working together for the good.

Medical professionals are trained to look at vital signs first, listen to the patient's complaint(s) and then begin the process of asking questions that will help determine the cause of the discomfort, pain or problem. Sometimes more extensive tests are required such as blood tests.

Much like vital signs for the human body there are vital signs for our culture. Hedonism (the pursuit of pleasure) is the undeniable king in our culture. The FOX television show called “Lucifer” supposedly an American comedy show and the recent revelation of Planned Parenthood killing babies to harvest certain desirable body parts to sell to the highest bidders are just a few other vital signs that indicate something is not well with the American culture. It seems as if everyone is pursuing pleasure and wealth and the cultural vital signs reflect the deteriorating health of our nation.

The Bible is God's vast resource of information and it can aid in the diagnosis of spiritual problems. To be sure, not all physical sickness and diseases are spiritual in origin. However, spiritual issues do manifest themselves in very human aspects. For instance, in Galatians chapter five, when one is healthy, progress is seen in the form of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control growing in ones life. When one is not spiritually healthy, one will experience the symptoms of immorality, jealousy, outbursts of anger, arguments, drunkenness, all kinds of idolatry and the list goes on. Spiritual issues are often exposed in human conditions.

There is an ongoing spiritual war inside every follower of Christ (Ephesians 6:10-18). Paul the apostle wrote, “For the good that I want, I do not do, but I do the very things I do not want to do I do…Oh wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from this…” (Romans 7:14-24).

Our physical health is interrelated with our spiritual health. Anger and stress stored up, hidden and not dealt with will one day reveal themselves in physical terms. Sin, guilt and shame will also reveal itself in the physical too. The Great Physician has the cure for whatever is ailing you spiritually. Have anger issues? Read Ephesians 4:26 and James 1:19. Struggling with forgiving someone? Read Luke 7:47; Colossians 3:13 and 1 John 1:9. God also has the cure to forgive even the most difficult person – ones own self.

Whatever the spiritual issue, Christ, through His Holy Spirit and His Holy Word have the cure and has generously provided the free cure for any spiritual ailment. Call on the Great Physician, He heals, restores, regenerates and accepts all new patients regardless of race, color, creed, sexual orientation or type of insurance! What are your vital signs indicating?

Clayton Adams is pastor at Earle First Assembly of God. You can e- mail him at

cpalaa@ yahoo. com, or find Earle First Assembly on Facebook.

By Clayton Adams