Remember how this story began. Jesus found this man who had been disabled for thirty-eight years and asked a simple, powerful question: “Do you want to get well?”

He did want to get well. Jesus made him well. In his wellness, he got in trouble for breaking a guideline that was cherished more than the law it pretended to protect. 

Jesus found this man he had healed in the temple. This tells us something about this man we would hope would be true. He walked into the temple most likely to give praise and thanksgiving to God. When Jesus found him, he spoke a word of warning.

We live our lives between Jesus’ question and his directive. 

“Do you want to get well?” When we affirm that we do want to get well, further instruction is necessary. This man’s way of life changed abruptly and appreciably. What did his new standing, walking status make possible? 

“Do not sin anymore.” In essence, Jesus asks, “Do you want to stay well?” Staying well is often the hard part. New discipline is required. Limitations and focus are necessary. There may be painful therapy involved. Trust me on this.

Sadly, many people do not want to stay well. 

Do you want to stay well? What are the top three things you need to do day by day to maintain or improve your physical and spiritual health? What do you need to do to maintain or improve your emotional and relational wellbeing? 

Today is a good day to go to church and give God praise for who he is and thanksgiving for what he has done for you. It is a good day to create that list of personal disciplines you will turn into rituals that lead to life-giving habits. Today is a good day to live in the fullness of what your wellness makes possible. 

Do you want to get well?

Do you want to stay well?

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