I love food—all kinds of food, and I especially enjoy an array of colors on my plate. I was born and raised in Mexico, and I’m not alone in believing that Mexico has some of the world’s best cuisine. So, yes, food is important to me.
In the past, I never paid much attention to what food really did to my health. Instead, I just enjoyed the amazing satisfaction of trying new flavors and eating whatever I wanted—things like chocolate.
I joke sometimes claiming myself to be a chocoholic. I love chocolate! I even have a T-shirt that says, “I am a certified chocolate taster.” I confess, I could have even fallen into the trap of making food an idol.
So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one” (1 Corinthians 8:4 NIV).
That was until my last annual checkup when I received some concerning news. I am pre-diabetic. Unfortunately, I have seen the terrible consequences of this illness. Diabetes runs in my family. So, this news has dramatically changed my perspective on food. I now understand the gravity of the situation and the need to be mindful of my choices. My doctor provided helpful guidelines to help me manage my diet and avoid the diabetes zone. I tried them all. I joined a program that helps me see food as a source of energy, rather than as a pleasure or reward system, and I even got a wellness coach.
However, in this journey toward wellness, I overlooked an essential aspect: inviting God into the process. I forgot to seek His guidance, His grace, and my trust in His love to make this lifestyle transformation for His glory.
In 1 Corinthians 8:6, we are reminded that everything comes from God, and we exist for Him: yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live.
Including God in my wellness plan changes everything. I am now learning to enjoy food while being mindful of my limits. I have two daughters who inevitably may also be genetically predisposed to this illness. Thus, teaching them to eat healthy—and honoring the Lord through our food choices—becomes a priority.
Though we have the freedom to enhance and be creative with the food God has provided, living in a more natural and wholesome manner aligns our choices with God’s intent. It is a way to honor the Lord. I want to help my daughters break the chain. And as much as I love chocolate, and my girls do too—chocolate is now a sometimes treat in our home.
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall. (1 Corinthians 8:13)
My issue may be with food, but yours or someone you know might have a problem with alcohol, drugs, TV, social media, etc. How can we be more conscious and help others to glorify God with a healthy mind, body, and spirit? How can we tear down idols? We can start by taking 1 Corinthians 8:6 to heart, paying close attention to the last half: there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
