As I get older, I get more aware of what I am putting into my body. When I was younger, eating was more of a means to and end, as I’d eat whatever was available to put off hunger for a little while, so I could keep going. My tastes have changed as I’ve gotten older and now I like to try new foods and drinks that challenge my taste buds and maybe insult me a little (think strong cheese and pickled foods). I can appreciate a well-made meal or new creation, but I still like comfort foods and a large plate of spaghetti that fills me up. But how often do we let food dictate our actions. Are we in charge, or are our bellies in charge of what we do each day? If you have ever been in a church service that went long, you might have even heard some folks complaining that it was interfering with their mealtime schedules. If you watch TV much anymore, you might notice that about half of commercials are geared toward what we eat and drink, because we tend to do that a lot. How much control does food have in your life?
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
You don’t have to look far to see that food can be a thing of obsession and even idolized in our society. We can be obsessed with a specific type of diet that is supposed to either help us lose weight, feel better, or just be more ‘healthy’. There are celebrity chefs, baking contests, and any type of food or drink can be taken to the extreme. The old theme of ‘everything in moderation’ may be helpful for us all when it comes to what we consume. And if we even bring up the idea of fasting, many are quick to jump in and say it is impossible because of x,y,z reasons why they can’t, have tried it and failed, etc. Though, some aspects of fasting are gaining popularity even in some secular circles, as I’ve heard of several people participating in ‘Dry January’ by abstaining from alcohol for the entire month, which is probably not a bad thing, especially for those who partake regularly. But in all honesty, fasting is the ultimate cure for what ails us. It not only puts a halt to what we have conditioned our bodies to desire, but it fine tunes our minds to be more aware of the physical condition we are in and the even greater need for God in our lives, instead of all the other things we try to fill it with, including food. What do you find to fill up your life with as a substitute for God?
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
Do you ever hunger for God’s Word as much as you do for your next meal? When I go without being in the Word for a long time..days or weeks even, I tend to fall into one of 2 categories. I have become selfish with my time and complacent in what I am doing and don’t desire to be in the Word as it takes up time I could use for other things. The other camp is I start to starve and desire to be in the Word again because I remember how it nourishes my soul and guides my day after I devour it. When you crave the Word, and fellowship with God as much as you do food when you are hungry, you realize how starved you are without it. But we are often distracted and tempted into other things that try to fill that void, but never do it to the same satisfaction. Its like when we only eat candy to try to fill our hunger, but it never quite does. Remember to fill those desires in our lives for things that truly satisfy, and not just cheap substitutes.
For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:18-20
Yours in Christ,
Clark
