One of my focuses during my Lenten journey with the Lord is
about taking better care of myself. Top
of the list in this category is food.
Sharing a meal with family and friends is a form of
fellowship. Jesus shared a meal with
many – from the Pharisees to others that many considered undesirable. Eating together was a form of acceptance and
elevating the so-called undesirables to a level of equality.
Today, meals and snacks are family time. Anytime people get together, they usually
eat. We joke about functions at the
United Methodist Church – they usually include food. I am involved in the Walk to Emmaus – and
retreats and meetings always include way too much food.
But. There is always
a but. I need to have better control of
what I eat and how much I eat. So,
instead of “giving up” one specific food item for Lent, I have altered my
eating. By altering my diet to one that
will make me healthier, I have made a lot of changes.
Most diet plans are
for self-glory. They are to look better
by bathing suit season, or a class reunion, or a wedding, or a vacation. Diets are also about wanting to be healthier,
but that is still a personal gain. That
has always been my problem with trying to lose weight before – it was always
about me.
Eating in a healthy and disciplined manner can be done to
honor God. It becomes about God and
building a closer relationship with him.
I Corinthians 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever
you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (NIV)
A lot of my problem has been eating out of habit, or
boredom, or even reward. “It’s the
weekend – we’ll make Mexican food.” “It
was a long day and I haven’t cooked – let’s order a pizza.” Instead, by making small changes in planning
and preparation, much bigger changes can happen.
The most important one – more time and a closer relationship
with God. Desiring time with God instead
of food.
How awesome is that?
Psalm 73:25-26:
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And earth has nothing I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
(NIV)
Thank you for posting this! I'm actually going to make a somewhat similiar post on my blog in the coming weeks as I too, am a bordom/reward eater! My issues with food are extremely deep seeded and hard to get rid of, so this will help me greatly...although...it is pizza night! ; ) In all seriouslness though, thank you, again. I will keep 1 Corinthians 10:31 with me!
ReplyDeleteHave you been living at my house. You are describing me...
ReplyDelete