“Even after Canadians are diagnosed with a chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes, they rarely make lifestyle changes that could prolong their lives.” That is the surprising finding of a recent Statistics Canada report. It seems that, even to maintain good health, it is difficult for us to change our ways. I heard somebody say once, “I can quit smoking any time I want to. I’ve quit 14 times already.” When it comes to our spiritual health, it is a different matter. Our best efforts – self-reformation, good works, getting religion or similar actions, cannot effect permanent change. The good news is that when it comes to making a permanent change in our lives, and being prepared for the next life, it is “By grace, through faith and not of ourselves; it is the gift of God.” For our physical health, we need to do something. But for our souls, it has already been done for us. All we need to do is humbly accept that gift by faith.

Pastor Alex Rockwell