I went to see a Naturopathic doctor about a week ago. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods that encourage a person’s inherent self-healing. Rather than focus on warding off diseases and ailments as they come, it seeks to identify and remove obstacles to healing/recovery and to constantly strengthen and nurture the immune system. Basically, a “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready” approach. Unlike conventional medicine, naturopathy seeks to address the root of the problem, thus, eliminating the need for constant doctor visits or treatments that only suppress the issue until next time.
After years of wanting to try this out (insurance does not cover, so I had to save up my coins), I was connected to a wonderful Naturopath by a good friend. Prior to my visit, she sent me several pages of questions regarding everything from my health history to my spiritual/mental state. I was only going to see her about 3 specific health issues, but was surprised to learn that all of them were perpetuated by the same thing. Regarding viral infections, she said that they are only effective against a weakened immune system. Anytime one actually becomes sick or feels the effect of disease on the body, it’s a signal that the immune system is weak and needs a boost. Then she said something that I will never forget…”The virus is not the problem.” It was such a striking statement because, when we are sick, we often ascribe so much power to the disease. We religiously take our meds, rest up and wait for the symptoms to be subdued. We want it to stop affecting us outwardly without realizing that, unless we attack the root of it, it will always be with us on the inside. And not only with us, but waiting for the next moment when the immune system “guard” is down to come back out and play.
So I had the dream (from the last post) like 5 days earlier. When she made the statement quoted above, my spirit instantly connected the two and said…”Sin is not the problem.” Sin is a problem…but not THE problem.
“We know that our old (unrenewed) self was nailed to the cross with Him in order that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin. For when a man dies, he is freed (loosed, delivered) from [the power of] sin [among men]. Let not sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions. Do not continue offering or yielding your bodily members [and faculties] to sin as instruments (tools) of wickedness. But offer and yield yourselves to God as though you have been raised from the dead to [perpetual] life, and your bodily members [and faculties] to God, presenting them as implements of righteousness. Do you not know that if you continually surrender yourselves to anyone to do his will, you are the slaves of him whom you obey, whether that be to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness (right doing and right standing with God)?”
Romans 6:6-7, 12-13, 16 AMPC
The death of Jesus simultaneously conquered sin AND made possible the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us. Accordingly, sin and the temptation thereof is no match for the surrendered soul. A surrendered soul yields completely to the Holy Spirit that resides within, compelling Him to have His way 100% of the time. Again…For the born again believer, sin is not the problem. The problem? A refusal to die and let die. This often takes the form of shifting priorities…the #1 spot is no longer God’s, but yours and/or anyone or anything you choose to put there. Or clinging tightly to ideals, wants, and dreams as opposed to sacrificing them. Much like our immune system, the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, functioning as our Host Defense System. The Holy Spirit is always there to lead and guide us, to protect and keep us, and to help us abide in/do the will of the Father. But when there is a clash of wills, He will allow us to “win.” Attempting to advance through life and combat sin in your own strength is unwise, detrimental, and the ultimate exercise in futility. I know because, experience.
We are not purposed to live reactive, defensive lives when it comes to sin. And we don’t avoid sin just bc of the consequences and potential damage. We want to become effective against it because God hates it. The call of our lives is to heap glory onto Jesus, the One to Whom it so rightfully belongs. We do this by keeping God first and living a lifestyle of constant surrender and deference to Him. Playing offense…getting points on the board. Souls won for the Kingdom.
I don’t have a super proper way to close this, but it’s getting long and I have to be up in a few hours…
Night, guys.
The Thankfulness Project 
Amen. All that is very true. We often neglect the root and want to address the symptoms.
Posted by Tolulope Ogunsola | September 12, 2016, 8:54 amThanks, friend:). It seems like such a novel idea, but much easier to address the symptoms as they affect how we feel and harder to dig deep and be proactive about addressing the real issue. Rewarding, yet much easier said than done.
Posted by apb82 | September 14, 2016, 9:30 am…this Thankfulness Project entry though. On point. And one thing that came to mind too is that you have to continue to proactively strengthen your immune system with the right diet, exercise, etc and not compromise it with toxins. Same with the spirit – have to feed it with the word, fellowship, etc in AND keep it away from toxins. Toxins that on the surface we can say “nah that ain’t really sin so I’ma just watch it, or talk to this person, or etc,” but easily becomes a gateway to compromising our “system”.
Posted by GT | September 14, 2016, 8:22 amSo so good!!! And so eloquently put…we must manage from within and manage what we allow in. That’s exactly what the doc was telling me. Thank you so much for your addition, friend:). Very good stuff!
Posted by apb82 | September 14, 2016, 9:28 am