(Gen 1:12) And the earth brought forth . . . the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
In part one we established the fact that we have a scriptural mandate to take care of our bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Today we get practical in terms of food and nutrition.
In Genesis chapter one we see God creating the world in six days. Within that creation we see food was provided for mankind in terms of fruits and vegetables, fish, and meat. It was all natural food. Before the flood man lived close to a thousand years old without doctors or modern medicine. Then on down to our modern-day things changed. Food became processed with lots of fats and sugars. We became removed from the green earth and chose to travel the fast food turf. Adding on a lack of exercise and the advent of machines and computers and devices we developed an unfit body subject to strain, pain, and gain.
In reaction to this weight gain has been an obsession with dieting. But how many diets have we tried over the years only to gain it all back or even more? And yet we still pour over the magazines or talk with friends about the “this is it” diet that is going to drop off those pounds to obtain that killer figure. But what can we do to remove ourselves from this senseless cycle that sadly repeats itself? Let’s go back to the Bible to get the wisdom of God because there we find two basic nutritional facts:
- EAT NATURAL: Eat as close to the earth as possible. That means a balanced diet incorporating the essential food groups. Cut down on fast food and junk food and get back to the food that is good for you. Then reward yourself with a goodie every now and then because you’ve been good. (Single scoop!)
- PORTION CONTROL: I love this insight from the book of Ruth: (Ruth 2:14) Now Boaz said to her at mealtime, “Come here, and eat of the bread, and dip your piece of bread in the vinegar.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed parched grain to her; and she ate and was satisfied, and kept some back. Do you see how she ate until she was satisfied and then kept some back? So why do we keep shoveling it in as if there was never going to be another meal? Take the time to cut your hamburger in half and remove one half of your French fries off to the side (or order fruit). Just because you ordered it and paid for it doesn’t mean you have to eat it all. You’ll be eating again in a few hours. Save the remaining food for lunch tomorrow.
There is another important item that needs to be discussed, and that is EMOTIONAL EATING. It is common to overeat and to eat unhealthily when we are under stress. Food makes us feel good. It temporarily covers the pain but then comes the gain. What is the answer to emotional eating? (John 6:35) And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. We need to go to the Lord when we are stressed. As we cast our burdens and cares upon Him (1 Pet 5:7) He lightens our load and grants us His rest and peace (Mat 11:28-30; Phil 4:6-7). He becomes our Bread of satisfaction. Don’t let food become your god! (Phil 3:9) . . . whose god is their belly . . .
Food is good. God made it. God gave us taste buds to enjoy food. It brings people together in fellowship and harmony. Most of the feasts of Jehovah centered around food. We see Jesus eating with His disciples. We’ll even be feasting in heaven! So, when it comes to food let’s not destroy, but enjoy . . . the way God intended!
Louie