Guest post by cool dad I'm sitting at my desk with a healthy dinner of acai-blueberry-pomegranate Vitamin Water... and 2 Gray's Papaya dogs with everything. Well, at least the drink is healthy.
Since moving to New York, my diet has taken a nosedive. I mean, I'm loving what I've been eating: pizza, cannoli, hot dogs, Chinese, halal from street vendors... But something tells me that two dollar-slices of pizza and a Dr. Pepper probably isn't the most nutritious lunch I could have.
As an early 30-something male, I need to establish good eating habits because this diet plus my slow metabolism plus spending all day at a computer would equal weight gain if I keep this up. Also, my frugal self finally bought some new pants, and I would be REALLY ticked if I outgrew them (sideways).
But often in church and other settings, I've heard we should maintain our bodies and health because "your body is temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor 6:19) and "no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it" (Eph 5:29).
I very often think of God during meals because I'm thankful for good things to eat. However, I never think about what I should and shouldn't eat from a spiritual perspective. Not that I'm not allowed to eat certain foods, but just that it's not good for me. That whole everything is permissible – not everything is beneficial thing.
Does your faith ever influence how or what you eat?
Comments (7)
Hmm...that's a good question. I'd have to say I don't think of it like that, but I'm still always constantly thinking about that, what I shoud be eating and what I shouldn't, for personal reasons though.
not really... but now you have me wanting a gray's papaya hot dog. thanks! lol
My faith makes me think about what I am eating, but I think the devil wins out when I stick it in my mouth anyway... I have to do better too, I know it.
Hugs, Tricia
I can honestly say I don't base my eating habits or anything else off of religion, I listen to my body and mind.
We will all complete are mission in life and our body will see to it no matter what type of abuse we put it through.
I believe your body and mind will thank you for not making it any harder on them to complete your souls work, but it does not affect the spirit and soul that resides in you.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31
Yes, our body is a temple, and I think we should be careful how we take care of it. There is a difference in enjoying food and worshiping it! I don't mean bowing down to it or making a shrine for it - but I'm talking about overeating, eating to "take away" some kind of bad feeling, etc. Sounds silly but it happens all the time!
Nowhere in the Bible does it say not to eat pizza, or even nasty sauerkraut. (YUCK!) We should remember that we eat to live - we do not live to eat! But if God is using His Spirit to let you know something is wrong with your eating habits - let Him lead!
To be honest, my faith just makes me thank God for the wonderful blessing of Molten Chocolate Cake Bowls. ;)
I recently started to going to a new church where we pray and fast more. I really think your stomach shouldn't be your God but the Lord knows when we can't afford the right foods.