Self-Control With Food

While checking the oil in my car last week, I noticed the dipstick had these words in large letters stamped on it: do not overfill. A machine that will not operate without oil will also malfunction if given too much oil. Hmm, interesting idea! The God who created us fashioned our bodies as finely engineered machines fueled by eat and drink. The father knows we have need of these things (Matthew 6:31-32) and we should receive them with thanksgiving (I Timothy 4:3-4). However, as with other desires and needs of the body, the engineer has placed some limitations for the benefit of the machine. Moderation in our eating and drinking insists that we be careful that we do not overfill.

What difference does it make? Your eating habits are your own business, right? One could say this is but another opinionated "preacher rule" to be added to the list: Women can't wear pants, song leaders must wear a tie, no beards at the Lord's table, and now, all Christians must be skinny. But let's be serious. "For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (I Corinthians 6:20). Were it not for the Savior's resurrection, one might reason as did Paul, "Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die" (I Corinthians 15:32). But because I have been purchased by Jesus, He is mine and all that I am and have is His. My physical body actually belongs to God (I Corinthians 6:20) and I am as responsible for what I do with the body God has given me as I am with His own precious word.

If I were 50 pounds overweight, I could joke about my size and be rather amusing as I tell how much I can "put away". But I couldn't preach to the promiscuous fornicator about his need to repent. I couldn't challenge the hot-tempered, out-of-control brother to exercise temperance. How could I honestly rebuke the drunkard and plea for self-control? "You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?" (Romans 2:21). I really ought to remove first the "beam" in my own eye that I might be able to help my brother with his "mote". Our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees. He who, with a chuckle, overlooks his intemperance in eating, but would condemn the intemperance of these others, has exalted himself to the position of the judge.

The fornicator, drunkard, hot-tempered, compulsive liar, over-eater would all welcome an easy quick fix - maybe a magic pill. What each must do however is:

1. Ask God for help. Does it seem far-fetched to ask God for help and strength on a diet? An individual who has worn out his heart, having, in essence, tried to run a bulldozer on a Volkswagen engine, requires surgery and we ask God to assist the doctor. Why wouldn't God want to help you maintain your health? And if I get off my knees, having honestly confessed to God my problem, pleaded with Him to help me today - then, an hour later, when I am faced with temptation I will remember, "Not an hour ago I asked God to help me. We are going to work together to defeat this problem. Why should I forsake Him now?"

2. Share your need to help with others. That is confessing your faults one to another, not merely to inform them of your problems but to seek their support. Knowing the threat to your health that excessive weight causes, they will be happy to help. Trust a few of your fellow Christians to be your "support group".

3. Fix your determination. "My righteousness I will hold fast, and will not let it go" (Job 27:6). "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself..." (Daniel 1:8). "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). Remember, you don't just want to look good. Yours is a noble purpose to be a better steward with what God has given you.

There is a glutton (Proverbs 23:19-20) whose god is his belly (Philippians 3:19). If it feels good, he will do it; if it tastes good, he will eat it. Such are like beasts who live only as their passions and appetites direct. But that's not so with you, Christian. You live after the spirit and not after the flesh. "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

This article via Christianity Magazine's special issue "Let Your Moderation Be Known," September 1989.