Atheism is often pointed out as a religion, and in many ways, the obsession with health and wellness has become its own secular form of legalism. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind listeners that while bodily exercise is valuable, it can easily become idolatry if it replaces worship of the Lord. Gluttony has long been a silent sin, rarely addressed in churches, yet food can just as easily become an idol as the pursuit of beauty or fitness. The guys emphasize the need for balance: a pastor should not be marked by obvious gluttony, but at the same time, believers must avoid falling into the opposite extremes. Humans are wired to worship—so the question is, what or who are you worshiping?

There is nothing wrong with caring for the body, but when the motive is self-glorification rather than glorifying God, the line has been crossed. Historically, Christians have been known for fasting, generosity, and blessing others, rather than being consumed by self-care. When self-care becomes an idol, it often reveals a fear of death and a desire to earn immortality. The truth is that the outer man is wasting away, and eternal life is found only in Christ. Motivation determines whether health is pursued as an idol or as stewardship of the temple of the Holy Spirit. Oscar shares that he lifts weights to maintain strength and longevity, aiming to serve God and his family well as he ages. E.Z. adds that part of his drive is to avoid becoming a burden to his children and to maximize his impact for the Lord.

The wellness industry has grown worldwide, but combining wellness practices with paganism introduces another possible danger. Practices like meditation or yoga often promise salvation through Eastern philosophies, but they are just another form of legalism that cannot defeat death. Eternal youth is a false hope; eternal glory in Christ is the true answer. Believers should desire to live fully until they die, striving to honor God with their bodies.

The guys emphasize the practical benefits of activity, pointing out that humans were not made for a sedentary life in front of screens. Exercising strengthens both body and mind, and tackling tough challenges builds confidence and resilience. At the same time, they warn against being judgmental toward others who practice moderation. Rest, too, is part of God’s design, and the Sabbath reminds believers that they are not machines defined solely by their productivity. Ultimately, the message is simple: avoid gluttony and laziness, reject the idolization of beauty, view health as stewardship, and above all, love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Health and wellness can be beneficial, but they often cross into idolatry when they become focused on self-glorification, fear of death, or cultural standards of beauty. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how Christians can navigate this tension, emphasizing that while caring for the body is important, it should never replace worship of the Lord. The guys point out that gluttony has long been overlooked in the church, yet food can become just as much of an idol as the pursuit of beauty or fitness. They also highlight the dangers of chasing eternal youth through the wellness industry or mixing health practices with pagan philosophies that promise salvation apart from Christ. At the same time, they affirm the value of exercise, rest, and discipline when pursued as stewardship of the body and a way to serve God and others. Ultimately, the guys encourage believers to examine their motives, avoid extremes, and treat their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit rather than idols, seeking to glorify God in all things.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Julia Zwayne joins the conversation to share about her new book, All Things Broken and Beautiful: What if Pain Was Not Forever, a heartfelt collection born out of years of compiling poems and reflections. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar welcome Julia, honoring both her writing and the way God has worked through her brokenness to bring hope. E.Z. highlights a favorite poem from her book, moved not only as a believer but also as a father, seeing the fruit of his daughter’s faith at a young age. Oscar asks why despair has shaped so much of her writing, and Julia explains that the Lord often met her most powerfully in despair, bringing unexpected sweetness. The guys commend her gift, connecting it to their own stories of brokenness and dependence on God.

Ray shares how brokenness shaped his ministry, realizing that God delights in a contrite heart. E.Z. reflects how God used his brokenness to replace self-assurance with a more profound fear of the Lord. They note how lament, a biblical form of worshipful despair, is often missing in the church, leaving people without language for their pain. Julia’s poetry, often born from lament, becomes a testimony of truth and hope. She admits she tends to run to darkness out of habit, yet finds conviction and comfort in remembering God’s perfect plan. For her, poetry is a means of falling to her knees, echoing the Psalms as she laments honestly yet clings to hope.

Julia explains that stillness once terrified her because it left her alone with her thoughts, but she now knows she can walk through darkness with confidence in Christ. She writes in random bursts of inspiration, with her most powerful work often coming through times of pain. One such poem, "Blank Spaces," captures the monotony of life and the melancholy of routine, resonating with anyone who feels unseen in their daily struggles. The guys remind listeners that in despair, God is near—Jesus Himself wept at Lazarus’ tomb, showing the depth of His compassion.

The conversation grows vulnerable as the guys recall seasons of suffering, pointing to God’s healing of the brokenhearted. They urge believers wrestling with despair to embrace lament but also allow the Lord to lift them into joy. Pain may last for a lifetime, but God’s presence never leaves. Through brokenness, He equips His people to minister to others and reminds them not to underestimate the power of His Word. Without trials, faith would be shallow; with them, His grace is revealed as sufficient. And one day, standing at heaven’s threshold, believers will look back in awe at how God used even the darkest moments for His glory.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro