Food For Thought

5-27-2009


Yesterday we spoke about the importance of rest, so today we can piggy back on that concept and discuss our health. My wife and I were sitting around last night thinking about what I should write today’s devotional about, then I looked at the container of chocolate covered raisins my wife bought me, and the devotional topic became very clear!

We are all blessed with one temple, and it’s easy to take it for granted. I love chips and dip, bread, chocolate, cookies, and all types of deserts, but that doesn’t mean I need to eat that stuff on a regular basis. Once in a while is fine, but let’s make sure once in a while doesn’t turn into once a day! We were sitting on the couch winding down from a busy day, and I said, “Do not buy me anymore chocolate covered raisins. If I have the choice, I will eat them.” About that time one of our dogs, sitting by our feet, perked up. I noticed she was looking over us, so I turned around. Behind us, our other dog had climbed up onto the kitchen table and had a huge chocolate bar in his mouth. We just started laughing, and I figured he saw me eating chocolate so he chose to help himself to the candy jar!

Again, we are given one body, and it’s our responsibility to look after it. I pray every day that God will bless the health of my friends, family, and others. At the end of the day, what we put in our mouths leads to success or failure with regards to our health. When we eat right, we feel better. The key is to develop the habit of eating right and exercising. It takes time, but after a while, the thought of bad food disgusts you. One of my favorite foods used to be chicken fried steak, yet I haven’t eaten that type of food in years. The thought of eating that makes me want to work out!

Just like you need proper rest to perform at your best, you need proper nutrition. Many of you reading this probably take some sort of vitamin and/or supplements. Vitamins are great, and supplements are often needed. Remember, supplements are there to supplement your diet, not replace real food. The majority of our biblical advice concerning food comes in the Old Testament. Leviticus chapter 11 speaks specifically about “clean” and “unclean” food. I believe one of the key reasons to eat properly is to be a living example for people. To be holy, is to be set apart or unique from everyone else. To be a living, breathing, walking billboard for Christ, we need to do all we can to keep the body he gave us as pure and clean as possible. We are called to live a disciplined life. To eat uncontrollably is doing the exact opposite. For those of you that wish to get in better shape, let’s do it starting now! Remember, if you give yourself the chance to eat junk food, you will. Don’t buy the types of food you shouldn’t eat, and you won’t be able to eat them.

Application:
1. Read Leviticus chapter 11
2. Clean out the pantry, freezer, and refrigerator of all foods that lead to unwanted weight gain.
3. Buy foods that replace the junk food you don’t want to eat.