Let me cut right to the chase–my relationship with food has been a lifelong struggle. I’ve turned to it for entertainment and for pleasure. I’ve used it as a reward. I’ve used it to celebrate. Some people eat when they’re sad or lonely, but I’ve tended to indulge when I’m happy! For me, eating delicious food has been associated with the good life. A rich, satisfying meal with sweet tea freely flowing and a dessert at the end gives me a rush of positive emotion like no other, almost like a drug.
At the end of 2019, I realized something had to be done about my diet. Every day I was eating unhealthily and battling a sugar addiction. I was on the verge of having to move up a pants size and buy new jeans once again, and this time I was not going to give in. So, at the beginning of 2020, I began to change my habits. It’s been a slow process thus far, as I’ve tried to figure out what exactly works for me. It’s been tremendously hard, and I’ve already “messed up” several times. However, my spirit is more at peace knowing that I am moving in the right direction.
Now that I’ve told you part of my story, I’d like to share a couple of Scriptures pertaining to this issue. The first that comes to my mind is 1 Corinthians 6:12. “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. Let me be clear, it is not a sin to enjoy food; food is a gift from God. Even so, ever since the Fall, we humans have shown a tendency to abuse God’s good gifts to us. We run to extremes. We push on boundaries and think if some is good, more is better.
For much of my life, I was dominated by food. Even though I knew it was bad for me, it became a compulsion that felt almost impossible to stop. And I haven’t overcome it yet! By no means! But I have tried to walk in obedience by making healthy choices each day that lead me in the right direction.
Another pertinent verse can be found further down in the chapter previously mentioned: Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Cor. 6:19-20) Our bodies are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit Himself. What a glorious thought! If we care for our own homes, how much more should we care for the home of the Holy Spirit!
I hope these thoughts have encouraged you in some way. Know that you are not alone in your battle with food; so many struggle silently every day. I hope this begins an ongoing discussion about a seldom-talked-about issue in the church. I have only scratched the surface of it here. If you’d like to hear more, let us know by contacting us on Instagram or Facebook.