How do we be “in the world but not of it” in our relationship
to food? “World” refers to all the ungodly aspects of culture that seek to
shape us into its mold. How, in our attitudes toward food, can we resist the
shaping of a hedonistic culture? I like doing my primary shopping at Aldi, a
limited choice grocery store, because it limits my temptations. That limitation
increases my freedom to choose good nutrition. Now, there’s a word for you. Nutrition.
How is it that the word to describe the elements we need to sustain our bodily
life—vitamins, protein, fats, minerals—sounds so dull.
I don’t want nutritious food. I want delicious food. I want warm
chocolate chocolate chip cookies. But my body wants sweet potatoes, with their
fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6. I even like sweet potatoes. But if I could
get the same nutrition from chocolate, is there any question which I’d scarf
down?
Holiness is wanting what I need. Can’t say I’m there yet,
certainly not all the time. And, yes, sometimes we need a treat. The question is:
“How often?”
Maybe food isn’t your temptation, but I’m guessing we all
have at least one biggie that we fight with day by day. Let’s not give up
seeking the Holy Spirit’s power. To be shaped into his image is worth what it
costs.
Jesus,
may the Holy Spirit shape our attitudes today. May we want what is good for us.
You,
dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in
you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1John 4:4 NIV
Hard to imagine, I know, but sweet potatoes taste like “dessert,” once I broke the bondage of refined sugar. What a Genius Designer we have, to make what’s good for us taste good too–IF we’ll just let it all work the way He intended! Applies even MORE to “soul food” – Thanks for the reminder! Bless you!
Bless you, too, Mary. Breaking that bondage to refined sugar has sure been a key for me, too. It’s still a battle, sometimes. Karen