The Problem Is More Than Physical, It's Spiritual

DIET is a four letter word.  What I will be advocating in this BLOG is not another DIET.  We are all familiar with failed diets and the frustration that goes with them.  Instead, first, I am encouraging Christians to understand what the Word of God says about moderation and health.  I want people who are struggling with moderation and unhealthy choices to see that there is hope for a better future. Second, I want to recommend a solution.

What Martie and I thought was going to be a personal journey has turned into a ministry opportunity.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says that God is the God of all comfort Who comforts us in our affliction so that we can comfort others with the same comfort that we, ourselves, have received.

God uses what happens to us as opportunities to minister to others.  Pastor Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, said "God never wastes a hurt." 

When you talk to someone about eating healthy the first thing they think of is diet. Then they think about depravation.  Giving up their favorite foods.  They just don’t know if they can.  And if they do diet, they eagerly anticipate the time when they can stop dieting and get back to eating the foods they like.  They have totally missed the point.  Their food choices has caused the problem to begin with. Why would they run back to them?  Perhaps because they are addicted to food.  What?!?  Can you be addicted to food? Yes. Like a cigarette smoker or drinker who can quit any time, but never does, but they could!

Celebrate Recovery® is a Christ-centered ministry started at Saddleback Church that helps people who are struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups.  Over 29,000 churches, worldwide, have a Celebrate recovery Ministry.  With respect to determining if someone is struggling with food addiction, they ask these 6 questions.

1. Do you struggle with overeating or constant dieting?

2. Have you been on a diet and lost all the weight, but need support not to go back to unhealthy behaviors?

3. Do you ever feel out of control and unable to stop eating?

4. Do you eat out of frustration, anger, or fear?

5. Does it seem impossible to eat only when you are hungry and stop when you are full?

6. Do you eat to feel comfort?

Do any of those questions ring a bell with you?  As a Christian, being in control of your body and your weight is a spiritual mandate.  I’ll share some verses with you in my next BLOG update.  But most of us treat our health, including our weight, as not important, having nothing to do with our spiritual life.  The Church does not make an issue of the physical health of its members.  But we cannot separate the two, as much as we would like to.  ... stay tuned