Wholeness vs. Holiness

By Dee Wieninger  

As some of you may have experienced, staying the course concerning proper eating to maintain blood sugar can be daunting at best. I have written a few inspiring articles to help stay the course, but it’s sad that I can’t or won’t take my own advice.

I recently came across the article “7 Ways to Live with Diabetes to the Glory of God” by Josh Philpot. It was a word in due time for me.

I hope you will benefit from reading this entire article, but here is a quote I want to share and express some thoughts. “My unhealthy lifestyle was indeed sin, which only confirmed what was already troubling my conscience: I felt guilty about my actions every time I indulged in them. I knew what I should be doing to remain healthy, yet I spurned knowledge. All the positive signs of living a spiritual life were present, but in my heart, there was a disregard for personal holiness on this issue. This realization changed my perspective, for it meant controlling diabetes was no longer just a matter of my personal wholeness but of personal holiness.” 

My ongoing goal since I began Power in the Blood in my dietary choices has been holiness. I have often held to James 4:17, If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. We all know what we must do to maintain a healthy blood glucose level, doing it is something else though. The author and pastor Josh Philpot says, “I knew what I should be doing to remain healthy, yet I spurned knowledge.” I looked up the synonyms for “spurned” as I sort of knew its meaning and one of the synonyms that I think hits the nail right on the head is ”rejected.” But then I thought just look up “spurned” and that definition is “to reject with “disdain” or “contempt.” It included my more understood word, “rejected” but described it more fully using “disdain” and “contempt!” When I looked up “disdain”, it said, “to treat as beneath one’s notice or dignity.” To “reject” knowledge, I see myself waving it off with the flip of my hand. To “spurn” knowledge is to wave it off with the flip of my hand and stick my nose in the air as if to say, I will have none of this knowledge stuff, I will control what I want to eat. “Contempt” is the act of despising. God’s Word tells us that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life(Proverbs 9:10-11NIV). I definitely don’t want to despise knowledge. I do believe “spurned” is the more excellent word choice, Pastor Philpot.

As individuals living with diabetes or other chronic conditions, it’s essential to reflect on our mindset and ask ourselves: “Are we truly applying the knowledge we’ve been given, or are we spurning it?” Scripture reminds us in James 1:22 (NIV), ‘Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.’ This call to action is not just spiritual, it’s practical.

Proverbs 9:10 tells us, ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.’ It goes on to promise that through wisdom, our days will be many, and years will be added to our lives. While doctors may caution us about the risks of a shortened lifespan due to our health conditions, God’s Word offers a hopeful perspective: when we live wisely and honor Him, we open the door to a fuller, longer life.

Now is the time to act. Let us commit to living wisely—not just hearing the truth but also walking in it. Make daily choices that reflect both your faith and your knowledge. Prioritize your health, seek wisdom, and trust in God’s promises.

Take a step today—whether it’s making a healthier choice, spending time in prayer, or encouraging someone else on their path. Let your faith be active, and your life be a testimony of both God’s grace and wisdom.” Your journey toward healing and wholeness begins with obedience and intentional holy living.

 

Used by permission: Philpot, Josh  7. 2016,  April 19. 7Ways to Live with Diabetes to the Glory of God. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/7-ways-to-live-with-diabetes-to-the-glory-of-god/

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Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 6:06:01 PM

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