The bad news?
Chronic diseases are creating havoc in many populations across the world, resulting in millions of preventable deaths.
The good news?
Simple Bible-based health principles can help individuals, families, and communities not only to survive but also to flourish.
This was one of the key takeaways of a recent workshop on how to leverage Bible-based principles to empower people to flourish at home, at work, and in mission. During the SPD for Christ launch event in Brisbane, Australia, facilitator Geraldine Przybylko, Adventist Health Ministries director in the South Pacific Division and executive director of ELIA Wellness, shared inspiring insights into the growing impact of health-focused initiatives and how whole-person health can help individuals discover greater well-being, purpose, and wholeness.
“My first love is not health—it’s Jesus, and His love compels me to serve others,” Przybylko shared when introducing herself at the beginning of her May 1 workshop. Health is important because it helps us to be fit and well so that we can better fulfill God’s mission and make a difference in people’s lives,” she explained.
How Important Is Health?
Przybylko, who completed doctoral studies in lifestyle medicine, mental health, and flourishing, highlighted alarming global trends during her presentation. She shared research showing that 50 percent of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75 percent by age 24.[1] Moreover, since the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a 25 percent increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide.[2] And in Australia and New Zealand, 90 percent of deaths are the result of chronic diseases,[3] with 74 percent worldwide.[4]
“This is a clear health crisis!” Przybylko said. “But that’s why we have the health message.”
During the next hour, Przybylko not only shared survival strategies but also suggested how to flourish—how to use Bible-based health principles to improve outcomes in ourselves, our families, and communities.
Flourishing Is the Goal
In Przybylko’s experience whole-person health initiatives can inspire people to improve their well-being and discover greater meaning, connection, and purpose in life. She shared the story of a woman she was studying the Bible with who, after attending a health program, wanted to give her life to Jesus. “I want to join the church because now I know that God doesn’t just care about me spiritually,” the woman told her. “He cares about me physically, emotionally, and socially as well.”
Against this background, Przybylko said, the Bible can show us what to do so that we, and others, can flourish. “It’s not just about us coming closer to God but also how we help others experience improved health outcomes. It also implies understanding the Great Physician and the Healer.”
In that sense, “true flourishing is an integrated approach,” she reminded workshop participants. “It includes our lives as a whole.”
Seven Essential Dimensions
Przybylko then introduced the 7 Dimensions of Wellness, a wholistic approach to health that, according to her, aids in implementing changes for better outcomes. The seven dimensions emphasize the importance of being physically energized, socially connected, vocationally enriched, spiritually empowered, intellectually engaged, environmentally attuned, and emotionally thriving, she explained.
“When all seven dimensions are working together in our lives, we are more likely to flourish,” Przybylko said. She highlighted the strong connection between each area of wellness, noting that when one dimension suffers, others are often affected as well. For example, poor physical health can have adverse effects on mental well-being, relationships, and spiritual life. “Or we may be physically, mentally, and spiritually well, but only when we serve others—when we are socially connected and vocationally enriched—are we more likely to flourish,” she added.
The Bible Confirms It
Growing research supports the 7 Dimensions of Wellness and the importance of flourishing. If we analyze Genesis 1 and 2, Przybylko explained, we will see that the seven dimensions were present in human life from the very beginning. The Bible also provides multiple examples of characters who flourished or did not flourish in their mission.
Among the negative examples, Przybylko mentioned King Saul, who showed insecurity and disobedience, and Judas Iscariot, an example of greed and a divided heart. “Judas walked with Jesus, but he was never transformed,” she said. “There’s also Samson, who eventually fell because of weak discipline.”
Some positive examples from the Bible include Daniel, who found discipline and identity in God, and Elijah, who relied on the power of prayer and dependence on God even amid the ups and downs of life.
Our Greatest Example
The greatest example of flourishing, Przybylko highlighted, is found in the life of Jesus. “Jesus was focused on the mission. He modeled a balanced life, He had compassion, and He had purpose. Jesus modeled whole-person ministry as He healed, taught, and restored others.”
When following the 7 Dimensions of Wellness, Przybylko shared, we can see how Jesus managed to flourish despite constant challenges. “Physically, for instance He was active, practiced fasting, and took care of His body,” she said. “Emotionally, Jesus managed stress, showed compassion, and withdrew to rest when needed.”
Przybylko also mentioned how socially Jesus built relationships, discipled others, and engaged community. Finally, she highlighted Jesus’ spiritual flourishing, thanks to a deep prayer life and a constant connection with God.
It Must Start With Us
If we want other people to flourish, the process must start with us, Przybylko underscored. “How do we expect other people to flourish if we are not on a journey to flourish ourselves?” She quoted what Paul wrote to Timothy when he told his young disciple, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:16).
In that regard, personal transformation is important, Przybylko said. “We know where we’re at. We know what’s in our hearts and where we should be at. And we can do those checks to find out whether we are identifying with God.” She encouraged participants to reflect regularly on their values, purpose, and daily choices, while intentionally developing healthy habits, discipline, and lifestyle practices that support long-term well-being and growth. Przybylko called workshop participants to start at home, “our first mission field.” Then, “model good habits, build culture, and develop sound relationships,” she advised.
Flourishing in Mission
Przybylko also shared the expanding vision of ELIA Wellness, an Adventist Health initiative dedicated to health promotion and bringing health, hope, and wholeness to communities across the South Pacific and beyond. Through more than 170 ELIA Wellness hubs operating in schools, churches, and clinics across Australia and New Zealand, lives are being transformed through practical programs that inspire healthier living, stronger relationships, and whole-person well-being.
She also highlighted the ELIA Lifestyle Medicine Centre at the Sydney Adventist Hospital, where evidence-based lifestyle medicine and wholistic care are helping people prevent, manage, and even reverse chronic disease progress. With growing international interest, ELIA’s 12-week Diabetes Clinical Program is now expanding globally, helping people improve health outcomes through lifestyle medicine and, when appropriate, reduce reliance on medication—bringing renewed health and hope when it is needed most.
As the workshop concluded, Przybylko challenged participants to join the movement toward flourishing. “Flourishing is not about perfection, but about intentionally growing in every dimension of life while serving others with compassion and purpose,” she said. “Through simple, practical, Bible-based health principles, people can flourish at home, at work, and in mission—experiencing greater well-being, stronger relationships, renewed purpose, and hope for the future.”
[1] C. J. Lennord, “Warning Signs of Mental Illness,” American Psychiatrists Association, 2025, https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness.
[2] World Health Organization, “COVID-19 Pandemic Triggers 25% Increase in Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Worldwide, Mar. 2, 2022, https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide.
[3] Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Aging, “National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions 2026-2035”; see also World Health Organization, “Health Data of New Zealand,” 2023, https://data.who.int/countries/554.
[4] World Health Organization, “Noncommunicable Disease,” 2025, https://www.who.int/health-topics/noncommunicable-diseases#tab=tab_1.
