Would You Like To Get Well?

When Jesus saw him and knew how long he had been ill, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” John 5:5

“Would you like to get well?” This is one of the most penetrating questions you could ever be asked. After all, wellness brings with it a lot of responsibility. If you’re well, you have to be productive to the extent of your ability. If you’re well, you need to work hard and discover your giftedness and use it to help others find their own potential in life.

Andy’s father was hard to live with. He was harsh, demanding, and unrelenting. As a result, Andy’s behavior became unpredictable. He was a gifted athlete and musician, but he often got into trouble. Andy wanted his dad’s attention and tried everything from productivity to rebellion to get it. During his teen years, he experimented with sex and drugs to see if they would help.

Andy’s life was one big search. A search for approval, a search for happiness and fulfillment, a search to get well. One day in the midst of this search, Andy met Jesus, who challenged him with some very pointed questions: “Would you like to get well? If you do, you will have to forgive your dad and let me be bigger and stronger in your life than he is. You will have to be willing to tell others about the work I am doing in your life. You will have to grow up and stop feeling sorry yourself. What do you think? Would you like to get well ?”

Andy took Jesus up on his challenge, and today he is running a successful youth ministry where he challenges students every week: “Jesus loves you and wants to make you well. Do you get it?”

What about you? Do you want to get well? Before you answer that question, remember that wellness brings with it great responsibility.

Lord, help me to understand that wellness comes with great responsibility.