I have been on my health journey for years, and have witnessed the health journey of others along the way, and if there is one thing (or 2) I’ve learned, it is that everyone is different, and things change. A diet that makes me feel amazing may make someone else feel terrible. But I can say with certainty, that no one thrives on the standard American diet. And no one truly thrives on what most doctors recommend for diabetic patients. Because these diets are full of processed foods that do nothing but confuse your body.
Having said all that, here is what we need to think about when we honor and glorify God with our bodies. God has standards for our bodies. And he has expectations. We are to use them as a living sacrifice, as a vessel for worship, and as a means to fulfill his plan. And we can’t do this when we consume foods that make us feel sluggish and depressed. The thing is, the enemy loves to use food against us. It is our weakness. Every fleshly body needs it. BUT, the enemy, and this world, have perverted many foods and turned them into curses for us instead of blessings. Many modern “foods” contain chemicals that our body doesn’t know what to do with, and so it stores it, often in fat cells. Because of this, over time, we can carry more weight than normal, and our bodies become full of toxins. Many foods now also contain chemicals that lead to addiction. ADDICTION! This leads to overconsumption and obesity, and a diminished ability to stop consuming more. Now consider how this affects our relationship with God. Where do turn when you are happy, sad, or angry? Do you celebrate with food? Do you get over a break up or a stressful day at work with food? Many people turn to food almost instinctively now, instead of turning to God.
And lets consider how all of this food consumption has affected your ability to draw closer to God through fasting. Fasting was a bid deal in the Bible. Prayer and fasting was more powerful than prayer alone. When something BIG was needed, people would fast. Now, in modern America, you have doctors telling patients they shouldn’t fast. You have people on medicine, such as diabetes medication who are afraid to fast (and shouldn’t fast without consulting a doctor to adjust meds). We have made ourselves so sick because of food that we are unable to function affectively in our spiritual walk with God.
Now that I’ve focused on the truth of the matter, lets talk about seeking wellness that is grace filled. And what does that even mean? Grace filled wellness means that we aren’t going to beat ourselves up when we eat something that isn’t good for us. It also means that we aren’t going to make health, wellness and diet into idols that consume our thoughts. Grace filled wellness also focuses on doing the best you can with what you have. If you can only afford canned vegetables, use canned vegetables. If you can only afford off brand flour to make homemade bread, that is still so much better than store bought bread full of chemicals and preservatives. If you have the ability to grind your own grains for bread, that’s wonderful, but if you don’t, that’s ok too. Do the best you can with the resources you have. If you are short on time, paying more for convenience may make sense right now, but if your finances are tight, it may make more sense to use your time as a resource and avoid expensive convenience items. Either way, pray over your food, and be thankful for the blessings God has given you. Make the best choices that you can in your current circumstances, and move on.
