Jesus and Wellness

Our practice has opened up a Mind Body Program because we found a necessity after working with thousands of Carnivore clients and hundreds of CIRS patients. 

 

But when we share about mind-body work, we’re faced with a lot of skepticism: 

 

“But meat fixes everything.” 

 

“If I clean the environment, won’t everything be fine?” 

 

“I’ve tried talk therapy, it doesn’t work”

 

“I had trauma but time and God have healed it.”

 

I wish I could do a brain dump when I hear these things because I used to believe these things too. I thought all mind-body work was a bit woo-woo and, possibly, anti-religion. 

 

Ironically, through our groups, I have had the courage to share more of my faith, and we now have a free monthly Christian group call for our group members. 

 

After our last call, I felt a calling in my heart to write this article. 

 

How does Jesus align with the wellness world? Are we trying to be self-healers and ultimately our own gods? Is what we do biblically aligned? What about visualizations? Am I conjuring up spirits of darkness?

 

Just a disclaimer: I am in no way saying I’m an expert in scripture, but I like to make sense of things, and so I wanted to share if you had these questions too.

We also released an article about whether Jesus ate meat or if a Carnivore diet is biblical. You can see the full article, here. 

 

Nehemiah and the Wall

 

 

When I first shared controversial content in the Carnivore space (beef liver and vitamin A toxicity), I never knew how the internet could turn on you. I spent many days crying and frankly broken over comments on the internet. (I knew I shared for good, but people took it for bad.) It took my husband taking me outside in the real world to realize no one was really after me. It was then that I realized that I cared too much about what others thought of me.

 

By chance (or divine intervention), while I was still feeling sad, my children and I happened to watch the story of Nehemiah and his determination to build a wall. 

 

The story of Nehemiah in the Old Testament is a story about leadership, faith, and overcoming opposition to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

 

Nehemiah was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes when he learned that Jerusalem was in ruins—the walls were broken, and the gates had been burned. This left the people living there open to attacks and highlighted the spiritual and political troubles of the Jewish community. Deeply affected by this, Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed to God, seeking an opportunity to help rebuild the city. (Nehemiah 1).

 

Nehemiah asked King Artaxerxes for permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls. After praying to God, the king granted his request and provided letters for safe passage and construction supplies, demonstrating God’s support. While rebuilding, Nehemiah faced strong opposition from local officials, who mocked, threatened, and tried to intimidate him and the Jewish workers. They plotted to attack Jerusalem and disrupt the work, but Nehemiah shared his leadership and most of all, his strong faith in God’s protection. (Nehemiah 2, 4).

 

Nehemiah also tackled internal issues such as the economic distress among the people. He confronted the nobles and officials for exploiting the poor and introduced reforms to ensure fairness and economic relief. This highlighted his integrity and commitment to justice. (Nehemiah 5).

 

Through determination, belief in the right thing to do, and (especially) the reliance on God, Nehemiah and the people completed the rebuilding of the walls in just 52 days. Nehemiah’s ability to motivate the people and face opposition with courage and strategy demonstrates how faith in God and determined action can lead to results despite difficult challenges (Nehemiah 6:15-16). 

 

—

 

It was in this story that I realized my approval audience is an n=1. As much as I don’t want to care what others think, I still do to an extent. But what’s really changed since learning Nehemiah’s story is that my motivation isn’t ever about what will get me more popular. Life becomes so shallow when that’s the bar. And like I mentioned, trust me, the internet can turn on you in a blink of an eye. 

 

Father of Lies Comes to Steal, Kill, and Destroy

 

 

The phrase, the enemy “is the father of lies” comes from the Bible, specifically John 8:44. In this passage, Jesus is speaking to a group of Jews who were disputing His claims about Himself and His relationship with God. 

 

He tells them:

 

“You belong to your Father, the devil, and you want to carry out your Father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the Father of lies.”

 

This passage characterizes the enemy as the originator of lies, embodying deceit and misleading people away from the truth. In the Bible, this belief shares that lying and deception are contrary to the nature of God, who is defined by truth and honesty. 

 

Thus, the devil as the “father of lies” serves as a warning against deceit and an encouragement to seek truth. Hollywood has done a great job picturing the devil as red and black with a scary face and two big horns. 

 

However, one of the greatest powers of the enemy is convincing the world that he doesn’t exist. 

 

We know there are great snake oil salesmen, but can you name more than a handful? Deception is powerful, and even though we know it exists, we still fall victim to it. 

 

Satan is not only the Father of lies and deceivers of nations (Revelation 20:3 and 8), he “disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14), and does what he can to get us to forget his existence. (e.g., “Do you think there are evil people in this world?”) 

 

Okay, and?

When we start believing we will never heal, X diet won’t ever work, or this relationship won’t ever work out, we believe the lies of the enemy. Some relationships won’t work out, but the goal of darkness is to lie, steal, kill, and destroy.

 

The enemy’s goal isn’t to come to your door, knock, and scare you with red horns and a scary face. 

 

How much are you believing things and leaning on people and content that lies, steals, and destroys? What about addictions?

 

Fear

 

 

In the Bible, fear is portrayed in two principal ways: as a natural human emotion in response to danger or threat, and as a form of reverence and awe toward God, often called “the fear of the Lord.”

 

Fear is a common theme throughout scripture, where people and groups fear for their safety, future, or in reaction to the unexplainable. For example, during the storm on the sea, the disciples were fearful (Mark 4:35-41), or when they saw Jesus walking on water, they thought He was a ghost (Matthew 14:26). 

 

Stories are shared throughout the Bible so we understand that we are not alone. Thousands of years ago, someone was going through something you are now. (Even mold illness or home remediation nightmares). These powerful stories often depict fear as something to overcome through faith and trust in God. 

 

There is also mention of fear of the Lord. This is a central theme in biblical teachings and is considered a source of wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 9:10). The “fear of the Lord” doesn’t refer to being scared or frightened in a conventional sense but involves a profound respect, reverence, and awe for God. This fear is associated with obedience, humility, and recognizing God’s power and justice. This type of fear leads us to spiritual growth and moral integrity.

 

Fear as a human emotion, arises from perceived danger or insecurity. Everyone is born with two innate fears: falling and loud sounds. That means that every other fear is learned.  

 

So why do we fear so much?

 

Fear is often considered one of the tools that the devil can use to hinder our faith and lead us away from trusting in God. While the Bible does not explicitly share that the devil creates fear, it suggests that he exploits fear to create doubt, discourage, and lead people into temptation and away from faith.

 

For example, 1 Peter 5:8 describes the devil as “like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” This passage demonstrates that the devil aims to instill fear, confusion, and doubt among humans. The devil’s tactics often exploit human weaknesses, including fear, to drive a wedge between people and their faith—what I believe is driving a wedge to live our best purposeful lives.

 

The Bible offers reassurance against these tactics, sharing God’s power to overcome any fear. In James 4:7, we are encouraged to “submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” 

 

If God is for you, who can be against you (Romans 8:31)?

 

When it comes to human emotion, the origin of fear is often linked to a lack of faith or understanding. Multiple passages encourage us to trust God’s providence and power to dispel fear. For instance, 2 Timothy 1:7 states, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” God has provided us with the spiritual resources to overcome fear.

 

A Nutrition with Judy group member recently shared that fear is mentioned 365 times in the bible. 365 times. Now the number of times the word “fear” appears can vary depending on the translation, but in popular translations such as the King James Version (KJV), the word “fear” appears around 500 times.

 

Fear is mentioned many times in the Bible because it’s understood that humans often experience it. The Bible encourages us to trust in God and not be afraid, reminding us that He is always with us. It teaches that while we should have a respectful and reverent fear of God, we shouldn’t live in constant fear. Instead, we should lean on God for support and strength, knowing that He will guide and protect us.

 

What are you afraid of and why? Where does it come from? Are you afraid life won’t be any better today? Do you understand this belief is a lie?

 

Control

 

 

As humans, we always want to control everything. If we do X, then Y will happen. In the Bible, control can be understood in several ways: how it pertains to divine sovereignty, human free will, and the manipulative tactics of the enemy. 

 

The Bible emphasizes God’s ultimate control over the universe, history, and our lives. This control is rooted in God’s omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence. 

 

Scriptures such as Psalm 103:19 state, “The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all,” which highlights that we are encouraged to trust in God’s control, which is benevolent and purposeful.

 

While God is sovereign, scripture also upholds the concept of human free will—the ability to choose our own path, make decisions, and bear responsibility for those choices. This tension between divine control and human freedom is a central theme. In Deuteronomy 30:19, the passage calls people to choose life by obeying God’s commandments, indicating that people have the power to choose between life and death, blessing and curse.

 

Control can also be viewed as spiritual warfare. In fact, control can be seen as a tactic used by the devil to deceive and lead people away from God. The enemy’s influence is often described as cunning and manipulative, aiming to control through lies, fear, and temptation. 2 Corinthians 11:14 warns that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light,” suggesting that the devil can manipulate perceptions and situations to his advantage. Matthew 7:15 shares, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly, they are ferocious wolves.” (Oh, have I experienced this working in the online wellness space!) 

 

Matthew’s verse from the Sermon on the Mount warns followers about false prophets who appear harmless or righteous but are internally deceitful and destructive.

 

(Self)-Control is also seen as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, self-control is described as a virtue. These fruits of the Holy Spirit are qualities that are cultivated through a life aligned with the Holy Spirit. 

 

I have met many faith-based school friends who share, “God will take care of this test, so I don’t have to study.” I don’t think God means for you to relax and take a passive role in your life because He is in control. I believe that we should always do the best of our abilities, with the understanding that many things are often out of our control. There is peace in doing the best you can, but having peace that you do not know what you do not know. 

 

We meet many people in our practice who think they just haven’t found the right biohack or pill to fix them. When we start building trust, they know the weight of “fixing themselves” isn’t all on their shoulders. Yes, we go through a lot of tears and frustrations getting to that place, but in that place of less control, the body starts to be in a more “rest and digest” state to start healing. 

 

Boundaries

 

 

Growing up in a Christian and Korean household, I was taught to follow the rules, be a good Christian, and respect my elders. In that culture, I didn’t have a voice. I was told to love everyone and never have enemies because the Bible said so. I needed to forgive everyone and stop everything until I made up with my “brother” (Matthew 5:23-24).

 

These words destroyed me. I thought that to be a good person and a good Christian, I needed to be all-loving. Since studying the Bible, (and reading Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend), I have learned that Jesus had personal boundaries. It has freed me from a lot of grief, especially putting someone’s narcissistic ways above my needs. 

 

In the Bible, Jesus demonstrated several personal boundaries reflecting His priorities and mission. These boundaries show how He managed his time, engaged with others, and focused on His purpose.

 

He took time alone for prayer and reflection. Jesus frequently took time away from the crowds and his disciples to pray and commune with God. Mark 1:35 describes, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went to a solitary place, where He prayed.” His boundary of spiritual nourishment and connection with God was a priority over constant public engagement.

 

He used boundaries to handle conflict. Jesus knew when to engage in discussions and when to withdraw. In Matthew 12:14-15, after the Pharisees plotted against Him, Jesus knew and withdrew from the area. His response showed a boundary regarding personal safety and avoiding useless confrontation.

 

Jesus often taught in parables, which served as a boundary in communication. By doing so, He revealed truths selectively to those open to listening and understanding, while those who were not receptive remained unenlightened. 

 

He chose who to heal. While Jesus healed many, He also made selective decisions about when and whom to heal, often based on faith or a larger purpose. An example is in John 5:1-9, at the pool of Bethesda, where many sick people were present, but Jesus chose to heal only one man who had been ill for 38 years. 

 

Jesus also set boundaries with His disciples and limits with His followers. In Matthew 16:23, when Peter rebuked Jesus for speaking of his upcoming suffering and death, Jesus responded, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” This strong rebuke shows Jesus setting a boundary against distractions from His mission.

 

These examples share how Jesus maintained boundaries that helped Him effectively fulfill his ministry while managing his personal and spiritual health. 

 

Where are you struggling to have boundaries? 

 

We find that the caretakers in families are the ones that tend to get chronically ill. Sometimes, it’s also the chronically ill person who feels so bad and riddled with guilt that they are causing more stress on their bodies—the body never has a chance to heal. 

 

We all deserve to be taken care of and to serve. Relationships are a give and take, but they are never always equal. Healthy boundaries are a requirement for optimal health and healthy relationships. 

 

I’ve found that if you have zero boundaries, you cannot love yourself and prioritize yourself to heal.  

 

God’s Armor – Time to Suit Up

 

 

This life is hard. It is meant to be difficult, as it is in our difficulties that we learn to build character and resilience—and we finally understand that we have very limited control over what happens. I can eat the perfect carnivore diet and expect to live until 120 years old, but I may get hit by a bus and die tomorrow. I want to control how my kids are shaped in this world, but their life will always be their own journey—no matter how much I try to control it. 

 

There are so many beautiful things about this world, but you must suit up to truly experience these things. 

 

In Ephesians 6:10-18, the Apostle Paul describes the Armor of God as a symbolic set of equipment to stand firm against spiritual challenges and evils. Each piece represents a particular virtue or aspect of daily life:

 

• Belt of Truth – Often interpreted as the Bible as the Living Word; the only source of Truth. The belt of truth symbolizes honesty and integrity. It anchors the rest of the armor and prepares one to be truthful and faithful in all circumstances. A warrior’s belt was essential for survival. It held his weapons and cinched his tunic at the waist, allowing him to move about freely. 

 

• Breastplate of Righteousness – Represents holiness and purity of heart, protecting the wearer from evil and deception. It acts like a protective vest, guarding a believer’s heart (their feelings and choices) against doing wrong and falling for lies. Essentially, this piece of spiritual armor helps people stay true and honest in their lives.

 

• Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Suggests readiness and willingness to spread the message of peace and reconciliation from the Gospel. These shoes equip believers to “walk the talk,” meaning they are prepared to live out and proclaim the teachings of Jesus wherever they go. 

 

• Shield of Faith – Offers protection against doubts and temptations that affect believers. It represents trust in God and His promises, which protects against various challenges, such as doubts and temptations. This shield is depicted as capable of extinguishing the enemy’s fiery arrows. These arrows represent any form of attack meant to shake a believer’s faith or lead them into sin. By holding up faith as a shield, believers can remain steadfast and secure, even in the face of persistent spiritual threats.

 

• Helmet of Salvation – Symbolizes security and salvation, protecting the mind from doubts and fears about one’s relationship with God and assurance of salvation. Wearing the helmet means keeping our thoughts focused on the promises and truths of God. The helmet of salvation protects us against the psychological and spiritual attacks that challenge our faith.

 

• Sword of the Spirit – The only weapon in the armor is the Word of God. It is used to refute falsehoods and errors, providing a powerful tool in spiritual warfare. By knowing and speaking God’s words (or truths), we can effectively counter the misleading and harmful influences we encounter. 

 

With these pieces of armor, we can be empowered, spiritually alert, and defend against the moral and ethical challenges the enemy presents. Whenever I am lost, I pray, read scripture, and somehow find my way. It doesn’t always come overnight, but with less control and more faith it will be okay, I am somehow okay. 

 

Visualization

 

 

Many clients have asked me if visualizations are aligned with scripture. I didn’t know for certain, but here’s what I found. 

 

In the Bible, there are numerous instances where God encourages His followers to imagine, dream, or prophesize about the future. These instances often involve visions, dreams, and prophetic utterances that provide insight into what God has planned or what is possible through faith. 

 

In Isaiah 6:1-8, Isaiah has a vision of the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted. This vision gives Isaiah a glimpse of God’s glory and shares God’s holiness and the mission of Isaiah.

 

In Ezekiel 37, Ezekiel’s visions, like the valley of dry bones, encouraged the visualization of a future where Israel would be restored. God commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, envisioning them coming to life as a large army, symbolizing the revival of Israel.

 

In Genesis 37, Joseph had dreams about his future. The future shared Joseph ruling over his brothers, represented by sheaves of grain and celestial bodies bowing to him. His dreams also shared God’s plan for saving the family from famine.

 

In Daniel 2, God gives Nebuchadnezzar a dream of a statue made of various metals, which Daniel later interprets. This dream revealed the future succession of empires and highlighted God’s ultimate sovereignty over human history. 

 

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus speaks about the power of faith as small as a mustard seed, saying, “You can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” This statement encourages believers to visualize and believe in the seemingly impossible being possible through faith.

 

In Matthew 7:7-8, this passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus encourages His followers to actively pursue their needs and desires through prayer, promising that God will reward them. The passage shares “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Also similarly mentioned in Luke 11:9-10).

 

In the final book of the Bible, the book of Revelation, John receives a series of visions that include detailed and symbolic imagery about the future—events such as the final judgment, the fall of Babylon, and the coming of the New Jerusalem. These visions are meant to give believers hope and encourage them to remain faithful, visualizing the ultimate triumph of good over evil (Revelation 21-22).

 

I am in no way saying that just because you will ask, at a finger snap, everything will happen for you. No, this goes back to the control discussion. 

 

I believe we can ask for something in prayer, but ultimately, we are to submit to God’s will and timing. One particular example comes from the New Testament, where Jesus models this principle during a critical moment. 

 

In Matthew 26:39, Jesus is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane just before His arrest. He asks for the possibility of avoiding the suffering that awaits Him (the “cup” He refers to is a metaphor for His impending crucifixion and suffering). However, He concludes His prayer by submitting to the Father’s will, indicating His acceptance that the events must unfold according to God’s plan, not His own desires. “Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'”

 

This verse shares to trust in God’s wisdom and timing, even when it diverges from our immediate desires or understanding. It teaches us to maintain faith and submit to God’s overarching plans, and while we should share our desires with God, we must also remain open to His guidance and sovereign will.

 

Faith and Believing

 

 

The Bible has many examples of faith and belief. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This verse encapsulates the essence of biblical faith — a confident trust in God and His promises, even when they are not yet visible or tangible.

 

Faith is also seen as a foundational experience. Through faith, we are justified and have a relationship with God. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

 

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “Hall of Faith,” detailing the lives of various biblical figures who demonstrated extraordinary faith. It mentions Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, and others, highlighting how their faith in God’s promises shaped their actions and led to divine approval and blessings.

 

Jesus frequently emphasized the importance of faith during His ministry. For instance, when He healed people, He often remarked on their faith, such as to the woman who touched His garment (Matthew 9:22), saying, “Your faith has healed you.” Jesus also highlighted the potential of faith in miracles, such as moving mountains (Matthew 17:20), as mentioned earlier.

 

The Bible also acknowledges the challenges and struggles with maintaining faith, especially in difficult circumstances. The Psalms, for example, often express doubts and fears yet ultimately reaffirm trust in God’s goodness and protection. Psalm 23, for instance, is a profound expression of trust in God’s guidance and provision, even in the darkest valleys.

 

Throughout the New Testament, numerous hardships exist to persevere in faith amidst trials and persecutions. 1 Peter 1:6-7 encourages believers that trials test the genuineness of their faith, which will result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. These teachings show that faith in God involves deep trust and reliance on God, shaping how we live and respond to life’s circumstances. 

 

Faith is considered both a gift from God and a human response to God’s promises, deeply intertwined with hope and love as vital aspects of life. It is not easy to always be faithful, but with the right community, they can share light when you are in the dark.

 

In Closing

I am a lifelong learner and now use the same approach I’ve used in wellness to understand the Living Word, my relationship with God, and how I serve our community and run our practice. 

 

I seek wellness and search for root-cause healing answers with a reliance on prayer. Evidence-based research shares a lot of clues, but there are so many miracle stories of healing that do not fit the case studies and, against all odds, have unfathomable survival stories. 

 

I truly believe we can get to root-cause healing and live the lives we are meant to. While some journeys are more difficult than others, I know there is a purpose in everything and that everything in some unexplainable way will be used for good (Romans 8:28).

 

I was very angry at God for having me struggle with an eating disorder. Or that He allowed me to suffer from depression. I was mad that my fear of failing as a first-time mom had come true. I used to hate that I was wired a little differently, cared too deeply, and that I was too sensitive. I resented all the things God put in me and the way He designed me… and I’d tell Him. 

 

But one day, I started healing. 

 

One day, my purpose started to be clear. My heart is what gives me the courage and advocacy to share. My moral compass is what gives me the courage to do what I do daily. My sensitivity and deep care allow me to be empathetic to our community. It is not easy to take the road less traveled (even in the Carnivore space), but I am ready when I suit up with God’s armor. 

 

Striving for wellness and battling chronic illness is not easy. But when we get the mind right and focus on the “right” things—we have the best fighting chance. 

 

Suit up, friends—this world needs armor. But once we have the proper armor, it is a beautiful place. And remember, you are never alone. 

 

In love and health,

Judy Cho | Nutrition with Judy