I never was comfortable relying on my faith when I was dieting. I admire people who are motivated to treat their bodies like “God’s temple” or who draw strength from prayer, but I had enough guilt and self-esteem issues to throw sin into the diet mix. I’m sure God does want me to eat right and take care of my body, but I hope He has bigger things to worry about than how many Chips Ahoy I ate.
Still, there are a few Bible verses that always make me think about my dieting efforts whenever I read them.
There is this passage from 1 Corinthians 10: 23-31
Everything is permissible— but not everything is beneficial.
Everything is permissible— but not everything is constructive.
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience,
for, the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
* * * * *
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Of course, the passage is talking about religious dietary rules, but it easily applies to healthy eating rules (whatever they may be).
“Everything is permissible—but not everything is beneficial” fits perfectly with my current approach to food. I can eat anything, but I know that some choices are better than others, some options are more beneficial than others, and some foods have very little redeeming value. If I decide to indulge, that’s OK, especially if make a conscious decision to enjoy myself with family and friends–that’s the closest I come to eating “for the glory of God.” 😉
These two passages help me remember what really matters when I am judging myself by the calories in my food log or the number on my scale.
In 1 Samuel 16: 7, the Lord is speaking to Samuel and says:
The LORD does not look at the things people look at.
People look at the outward appearance,
but the LORD looks at the heart.
In Luke 12:22-24, Jesus tell his disciples:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat;
or about your body, what you will wear.
For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
Do you turn to prayer to help you reach your goals?
Are there any Bible verses that speak to you in this context?
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The food thing is tough for me. Lately my eating has been really bad and emotion driven. I do believe God wants us to take care of our bodies and it was His leading that helped me to begin a healthier lifestyle. I've lost about 80 lbs and am training for my first half. I also feel this post was so rightly timed as my eating is getting out of control again. Time to pray for some self discipline!
I understand the hesitancy to link your eating to your faith. When I started dieting and running, I got so obsessed that I realized that I was making those things into idols in my life. I think you have the right mindset when you say that everything we do we should do for the glory of God. I started following you during the twitter road race and really enjoy your blog!
love the post and yes turn to prayer for my goals and everything 🙂
“Everything is permissible—but not everything is beneficial” <– I like that and hopefully I remember it next time I decide it's okay to indulge in something that's not exactly the best choice.
Luke 12 is one of my favorite chapters. But I had a serious "ah-hah" moment about my body, my wellness, and my self-acceptance when I read Psalm 139:13-16 – "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
I've never read the Corinthians passages before, but I'm going to look them up and give them further thought. "Everything is permissible – not everything is beneficial." True that! And I know that I can DO MORE if I take care of this one physical form that I have to the best of my ability, by making healthy, wise choices. Awesome post, Coco!
Elizabeth
Thanks! I wrote about Psalm 139 last week! I had an ah-ha moment too. 😉
This is very thought provoking Coco. I for one believe gluttony is a sin. Anytime you obsess or put other things before God is wrong. I have in many, many times put food above God. I believe He is there for us to lead us out of temptations. If food is your trouble spot, it is mine, then I believe He's there for help in all things.
Proverbs 23:20
Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
Proverbs 23:19-21 (in Context) Proverbs 23 (Whole Chapter)
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I love this post!!!!!
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