Health and Weightloss: A Biblical Perspective

Confession: I've been saying for five years that I was "trying to lose weight". It wasn't exactly a lie- I mean, I really do want to lose weight, and I go through bouts here-and-there of eating better and exercising more. But I am realizing something- I haven't been trying very hard.

Lately, I have been having trouble with my stomach almost all the time. Every time I eat something (and sometimes even when I don't), I get these weird stomach cramps that also seem to be connected to my back. My back will start to hurt along with my stomach, and it will last for an hour or so. I just told a friend that it is getting real old, real fast.

But the thing is, I feel very confident that if I had been taking care of my body for the past 5+ years, I probably wouldn't be having these issues. I have failed to treat my body as God's temple, and I have repeatedly convinced myself that that was ok.

Last year, I wrote this post which touched on the idea that not treating our bodies correctly is a sin. I still believe that firmly and would like to dive into the issue more fully.

Temples of the Living God

God says that our bodies are His temples (1 Cor. 6:19). This not only means that He dwells in us- we are His houses in a way- but it also means that we are His "property". Now, before you start saying "I am my own woman. I'm no one's property. Ain't nobody got time for that!", try to remember that God explicitly told us that we are not our own.

But what does it really mean to be a temple of God? What does that require of us?

I believe it requires us to think rightly about food, put food in it's proper place, and to use our health for God's glory.

Thinking Rightly

Thinking rightly about food and exercise is hard for me. It's hard for most people, I think. You see, food is meant to sustain us. But today (at least in America), we treat food as a sport or an inexhaustible resource. We eat to satisfy more than our hunger- we eat to satisfy our souls. Food is meant to be a sustainer of health and energy. It is meant to keep us from dying. Yet we eat food for fun, out of boredom, or out of emotional pain.

But then we realize that we need to shed a few pounds, we suddenly view food as the enemy. Those french fries that we once loved are now a demon from the pit of hell. 

But food isn't an evil tormentor, nor does it bring happiness. Food is a gift from God that provides for our physical needs.

Proper Priorities

I cannot speak for the rest of you, but I know that personally, I am addicted to food. Food is not in it's proper place in my life. 

When I wake up, I not only think, "what's for breakfast?", but I also think things like "how long do I have to wait until it's acceptable to eat something else?".

That's not normal, and that's not ok. I have made food an idol and turned it into something that gives me happiness. I spend my time craving cheeseburgers, fried chicken, 5 million ounce steaks, and ten pounds of chocolate cake. 

Guys, God is not mad at me if I get a cheese burger from Five Guys- occasionally! But it is absolutely a sin to 1.) be addicted to food and find my emotional satisfaction in it, and 2.) treat my body as if it can handle anything I throw at it.

My Body for God's Glory

From a health standpoint, my body craves (needs) protein, vegetables, fruit, healthy fats, etc. If it gets these things on a daily basis, it will function properly and be able to stand strong against health problems and sicknesses. But my body cannot handle what I've been throwing at it: trans fats, preservatives out the wazoo, and oodles of sugar. Sure, it'll last for a while, but I won't be as alert, as healthy, or as functional as I was created to be.

I was created to do amazing things for God's glory- and so were you!

But I (we) cannot do that if we are drained, sluggish, and unhealthy.

I cannot tell someone who is self-harming that they should value their bodies, if they can look at me and clearly see that I am not valuing mine.

I cannot encourage a sister in Christ who is struggling with food addiction, body image, or an eating disorder, if I am not even willing to practice the discipline of portion control!

The Reason it Matters

My point is this: Food is not evil. Living a healthy lifestyle doesn't mean we can't enjoy treats. It doesn't mean we have to pledge never to set foot into a Micky D's again. But food is to be used wisely. Do you want to eat lot's of pizza at your birthday party? Well, if that's not your continual lifestyle, that's fine. If it's really a treat, and not a weekly occurrence, then have at it!

But remember this: We cannot live a full life- the way we were meant to- if we don't start taking care of ourselves. Self-care, "dieting", weight loss, and "lifestyle changes" are not about being skinny, looking good for our significant other, or proving anyone wrong. Being healthy is about caring for a gift we have been given.

I am entrusted by God to live my life well. I haven't been doing that. I need to change that. And I need to be held accountable. Do you need that change? Do you need that accountability?