Turn Off Those Screens!

Dr. Laura Tosi, of the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, calls it “a potential time-bomb”. It is not terrorism, underage drinking, illegal drug use, or even the ever-present danger of venereal diseases. It is, of all things, Rickets – a disease which was a scourge back in the 19th century.

Rickets occurs when the body’s bones become too soft. In advanced cases it can cause legs to literally bow. It was thought to have been eradicated with milk fortification, but new studies indicate it is making a comeback.

Researchers fear that an entire generation of kids could be rushing towards osteoporosis. Dr. James Beaty, president of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons cites, "There's some early data showing that even a 10 percent deficit in your bone mass when you finish your adolescent years can increase your potential risk of having osteoporosis and fractures as much as 50 percent."

Then add to that the Mayo Clinic study that U.S. children break their arms more often today than four decades ago - girls 56 percent more, and boys 32 percent more. Along with a proper diet and proper calcium intake, experts also claim exercise is crucial inprevention of obesity and in making bones strong in the crucial formative years of life. Unfortunately, a majority of today’s kids do not get adequate exercise. This is largely due to the exorbitant amounts of time spent sitting in front of the vast array of electronic screens that tend to dominate their world.

Few would dare argue the value of exercise as it relates to overall good health. That goes without saying. But how many make the correlation between that and exercising for proper health in the spiritual realm? In his letter to his young son in the faith, the Apostle Paul gives sound advice. In I Timothy 4:8, he addresses both physical and spiritual soundness in just one single verse. “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”

Then in his second letter and chapter 3, he relates to the young pastor the primary source of all spiritual wellness. Beginning with verse 16, he conveys to Timothy, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” In essence he was instructing Timothy to study, apply and preach God’s Word in order to avoid all manner of spiritual illness, and to ready himself for fruitful Christian living and service.

The most significant scourge of the hour, although terrible, is not Rickets, Cancer or AIDS. It is simply the overall ignorance of God and His Word – both in and outside the church of Christ. That is a serious problem. It is a growing and frightening problem. And its impact is devastating to individuals, families, and the entire nation.

With that being said, there is a definitive answer - a sound solution. The source and scope of spiritual health, as revealed in II Timothy 3:16, was summarized by well-known Bible teacher Warren Wiersbe in this way: “All Scripture is God-breathed. It tells us what is wrong, what is right, how to get right, and how to stay right with God.”

The Great Physician expects spiritual wellness in His people, but not without equipping them with all the preventative and curative tools for the task.

Bill Breckenridge