Food: Lies We Believe and Truth That Sets Us Free

Endings and Beginnings

2013-02-05T15:23:00.000-06:00

Allow me to apologize for neglecting this blog. I felt the Lord leading me in a different direction and took a break from writing. While I feel this reprieve permitted me to focus more on my family, ministry, and other priorities, I regret leaving my faithful readers hanging. It is also because of my faithful and new-found readers I find it difficult to say that this is the last post on this blog site.

HOWEVER . . . the posts I wrote are still relevant. So if you just found this site or are in need of a reminder of ways to dispel lies with truth, search through old posts. You may even want to start at the beginning by clicking here.

In the mean time, I would love for you to visit my new blog site In the Midst . . . by clicking here. It is not exclusively about eating (although I’m sure it will come up). Instead I will cover a broader subject base. It’s a blog about meeting God and finding hope in the midst of everyday life.

Again, thank you! And God bless!

Do Not Give Up!

2012-06-28T20:31:00.001-05:00

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9)

Recently, this verse popped out at me while reading a devotional. Weary. That’s it. That describes my feelings in the area of eating. Weary. Tired. Heavy-laden. Burdened. Sick of trying to “do good” . . . and failing miserably.

You could argue that “doing good” refers to works and helping others in the name of Christ. I am sure it applies. But at this particular moment, on this particular day, in my particular circumstances, food issues rose to the surface one more time. And I could not/cannot continue to ignore God’s prompting.

There are numerous reasons why I have not posted on this blog for a while . . . lack of time, lack of inspiration, a desire to pursue other interests, etc. But if I’m totally honest, I have to admit one of the reasons is the thought that I am a hypocrite. How can I coach, inspire, and encourage others to pursue holiness when I have given up? I feel defeated, resigned, crushed. Overwhelmed. And therefore . . . guilty!

I can list for you my “excuses” for eating improperly. I recite them to myself daily. At the top would be the amount of traveling our family does. It’s difficult to eat properly when out of town at track meets and softball games two to three nights per week for months on end. Add to that numerous trips in which we are gone for several days. I only recently thought of dragging along a cooler filled with apples, oranges, and cold water. But truth be known, when we stop at McDonald’s for something quick (and cheap—to fit our budget), I typically break down and eat a Big Mac instead of a grilled chicken salad.

My resolve to eat well (and in proper portions) has fizzled. The constantness (I know that’s not a word, but stick with me) has taken its toll. I’m exhausted. Beaten. Weary.

I confess I have been walking the fence, pacing the border (see my previous post), testing the waters outside of God’s boundaries. I have allowed Satan’s temptations to lure me away from truth. And the results are ugly. Inside and out.

Part of the problem is my thought that at some (unknown) point in my life I will reach the pinnacle. I will stand at the peak holding my victory flag saying, “I’ve won. My battle with food is over.” I will no longer have to pray about food. I will no longer have to watch what I eat because it will just come naturally. I will no longer have to remind myself to choose wisely. I will no longer have to tell myself to take only one helping. I will no longer have to rely on God’s strength. I thought I had come to that point. Instead I had just walked away because I didn’t want to be on the front lines anymore. And while I am still holding out for the time when eating well comes as naturally to me as remembering to brush my teeth, I have to admit I have not arrived. Nor will I ever hit a point in which I no longer need God’s strength and mercy and guidance.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal. 6:7-10)

The above verses attest to the fact that we will not win by sowing to our flesh. We must rely on the Holy Spirit if we are to reap a harvest. We cannot give up. I belong to the “family of believers” and I am included in “all people,” so I have to conclude that when God admonishes us to “do good to all people” He means me too. I should not give up “doing good” to my own body.

There is a difference between giving up and giving in. Giving up implies resignation. However, God wants us to give in—to Him and His ways. Give in so He can carry us through.

Are you weary? Have you given up? What does that look like in your life?

What are you reaping?

Sowing to the flesh may reap: an upset stomach, a headache, a tired body, weight gain, sinus issues, high blood pressure, disease, guilt, depression, etc.

Sowing to the Spirit may reap: more energy, more mobility, long-term health, a better digestive tract, a leaner body, a healthier relationship with God, etc.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

In the meantime, I am choosing not to give up. I may feel defeated, but I am not. I may have failed in some of my choices, but I am not a failure. My weariness does not stem from doing good but from walking away. So today, right now, I choose to persevere. I choose to give in to God’s promptings.

How about you?

Boundaries: Good or Bad?

2012-03-14T21:18:00.000-05:00

A baby stands in his crib shaking the rails, crying to be let out.

A child peers between two fence posts pouting, wanting to play on the other side.

A man looks over the guardrail of a bridge disheartened, desiring to swim in the current.

We see boundaries as limiting, restraining, holding us back. We pace the border like a caged animal wondering how to be set free. We are enthralled, obsessed even. We wonder what exciting adventure the boundary keeps us from experiencing. And occasionally we break out. In giddiness, we escape.

But what do we find on the other side? True freedom? It depends. Who built the barrier and why does it exist?

Some need torn down, but . . .

Some boundaries protect us. They keep us safe. The crib keeps the baby from falling. The fence keeps the child from running into the street. The guardrail allows the man to walk over the water safely. These boundaries protect.

Non-Christians see a Christian’s life as confining—a list of do’s and don’ts. And it’s true. God’s word establishes boundaries in our lives. The question becomes: Are those boundaries a chokehold or a place of freedom? Is “no” negative?

In this case, God’s word—the boundaries He establishes—protects, guards, shields. Safety is inside the fence, within the perimeter. Outside are distractions, temptations, strongholds and idols.

Freedom lies within the boundaries. When we leave the perimeter and move toward the interior we realize we have room to roam. And it’s good. Very good. That’s where God’s love and protection exist. That’s where the abundant life is found.

Jesus understood this truth. He used the word of God as a shield of protection against Satan’s attacks.

Do you see God’s boundaries on your eating as restricting or freeing? When you see His guidance as a means of protection and preservation, a loving act of kindness, you may say with the Psalmist,

³⁵ Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
³⁶ Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
³⁷ Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.^[c]
³⁸ Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
³⁹ Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
⁴⁰ How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life. (Psalm 119:35-40)

Does Your View of God Need a New Coat of Paint?

2012-01-10T14:29:00.000-06:00

We recently re-modeled our bathroom. As the ‘60s décor came down and the floors and walls were stripped, I wondered if my thoughts on God and who He is needed a make-over.

I have been looking at God and His word through a particular lens (my life experiences, how I met Him, and who He has been to me) for quite some time. I liken it to staring at that ‘60s décor for the past several years. I recognized my bathroom by those ridiculous square tiles and the drawer I could hardly budge. I had grown accustomed to reaching for my hairbrush in that spot and opening this cabinet for my mascara.

I see my God as having particular traits and talking to me in a particular manner. Most of us do. Some of us see Him as loving and full of grace—others as just and righteous. The truth is, He is both and He portrays the characteristic we need at the time we need it.

After we removed the cabinets with the big knobs, the gray bathtub, and the decaying carpet, the foundation of the bathroom was the same. It still had the original walls, windows, and floors with which it started. God and His word are still the same, never-changing.

So . . . I want to strip away the tradition, the expected, my angle on how this relationship with God should work. I want to dig down until I find the foundation. I want to analyze my thoughts and my habits (yes, that includes eating!) to see if they line up with truth.

THEN I will build on that foundation by exploring all aspects of God and updating my thoughts on Who He is. I want to look at Him as I would a prism—turning it and peering at it from different angles to see what I’ve been missing and how I can re-furbish my thought process. I want to re-new my friendship and love relationship with God, learning more and more so I can aptly reflect Him.

Does this apply to food and eating habits? Absolutely. I have taken the same approach to eating (or not eating) for years. Maybe my approach needs an update. We’ll see. I hope that as I renew my relationship with God, He will renew my relationship with food.

Alton Brown on Food and Thanksgiving

2011-11-17T09:15:00.002-06:00

This morning I read an interview of Alton Brown in the November 2011 issue of InTouch. He has a terrific perspective of food and its purpose. To whet your appretite, here are a few quotes. To read the entire interview, click here.

"To me, cooking and faith and my relationship with God are all intertwined. I could not do what I do in food, around food, if I did not have the relationship that I have with God."

"Unfortunately, the food media, of which I’m a part, have turned chefs into rock stars. But the best chefs always remember that cooking for people is an act of service. That’s an important piece of symbolism, and you see it throughout the Bible. Many of the great miracles we see performed by Jesus are food-related—the feeding of the masses, for example. I always think about those loaves and fishes and the fact that every time I prepare a meal for people, I am, in a way, replicating that act of service."

"There’s no perfect meal, other than one that brings a lot of people together. Thanksgiving is important as an icon. Americans don’t have much in common with each other anymore. But at Thanksgiving, we see the real power of food—the connectivity that helps us draw together around these cultural “sacraments.” We need it because it unifies us."

Happy Thanksgiving!

Let's Face It

2011-11-07T07:45:00.002-06:00

I saw this cartoon and thought, Isn’t that true?

Sometimes we need someone to sum up the long and short of it in one slap-you-the-face statement.

You aren’t retaining water.

You don’t have more muscle mass this week than last.

It isn’t just the day before your period. (Yes, we women use this one too.)

There is a bigger problem that needs looked at.

My readers who struggle with bulimia or anorexia may not relate to the above. For you I’d say:

You don’t look fat.

Skipping another meal will hurt you.

Purging is not normal.

If I haven’t hit on something you tell yourself, ask God if there is one for you. What slap-you-in-the-face statement do you need to hear today? What truth do you need to face head on?

Decide TODAY to face it.

Housekeeping:
Blogger changed something in May that caused a glitch in the comment section. It has to do with third-party cookies, which means nothing to me, but may to you. Anyway, I changed the comment section to help with the problem. Do not be dissuaded by the new format. Additionally, if you have been told by blogger that you are “not allowed” to comment on a page (I was getting this on several blogs), one way you can get around this is by unchecking the “remember me” box when you sign onto google. Again, I don’t know why this works, but it seems to have solved my problem. Well, at least the problem I have trying to comment on blogs. ;-)

My husband and I are on the board of a new ministry, Christian Adoption Resources & Education for Hancock Co, IL (CARE). I'd love for you to check out our website and facebook page. Click on the ministry logo to the right of this post to go to the website.

Repentance or Sorrow?

2011-10-17T09:08:00.000-05:00

Do you find yourself repenting repeatedly for poor eating choices?

Do you declare to eat better in the morning only to repent again that evening?

Maybe your prayer goes something like this: Lord, please forgive me for the poor choices I made today. Help me to eat better tomorrow.

If you find yourself in this cycle of sin, repent, sin, repent, it is possible the prayer is not sincere. When I recognize this cycle in my life and truly analyze my heart, I realize what I meant was something more like this: Lord, tell me what I can get away with eating today with no short-term or long-term ramifications (like heart burn, weight gain, or cancer).

2 Cor. 7:10 states, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."

Let’s examine worldly sorrow versus true repentance.

Sorrow                                           True Repentance

Self-centered                                            God-centered

Focus is on ramifications of choices         Focus is on relationship
                                                                    with God

Desire to look/feel/do better                      Desire to be pure

Motivated by love for self                         Motivated by love for God

Short-lived                                               Long-lasting

Leads to living death                                 Leads to abundant life

Residual regret                                         No regret

No intention of walking away from sin     Includes turning away
                                                                   from sin

Where are you? If you see yourself in the “Sorrow” column, choose today to repent and turn away from your wrong choices. Instead turn to God.

What You Don't Know May Kill You

2011-08-29T07:00:00.004-05:00

Those allergic to specific foods, such as peanuts or strawberries, avoid them. But sometimes the body’s reaction is not as obvious as red blotches or difficult breathing. For example, I know my joints swell and my sinuses clog during allergy season. I also know if I eat an excessive amount of sugary foods or dairy during allergy season, I am inclined to get a sinus infection. I obtained this knowledge by trial and error over a lengthy period of time. Do you know how foods affect your body?

Do you want to know how foods affect your body?

Sometimes I choose to stay ignorant so I can eat without guilt. I don’t want to know how a particular food affects my body because then I can’t use the excuse, “I didn’t know.” Have you ever said, “Don’t tell me how many calories are in this,” as you bit into a food item?

Newsflash: Whether you know the number of calories or not does not change how many calories you are eating. Whether you know a food clogs your arteries or not does not change whether the food will clog your arteries. “I didn’t know,” does not prevent a headache, heart burn, diabetes, or cancer.

Ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance may kill you.

But, the truth will set you free.

Do you eat improperly simply because you are uninformed? Choose to know what you are eating as well as why you are eating it. Read the ingredients listed on packaged foods. Research. Know the benefits and detriments. Know how your body responds and reacts to different food groups.

Maybe you wonder where to start. Do a search for an item you eat frequently. Or research an ingredient found in an item in your cupboard. Look at what health food experts say about it—not just what is listed on government or weight loss sites. Read books. Ask others. Go to your local Farmer’s Market and ask the vendors about their produce.

What do you do to stay informed?

Book Recommendation: What the Bible Says About Healthy Living: 3 Principles that Will Change Your Diet and Improve Your Health by Rex Russell, M.D.

Rex explores Old Testament laws and why God wrote them. He spends most of the book examining and expanding on the following three principles of healthy living:

Principle 1: Eat only substances God created for food. Avoid what is not designed for food.
Principle 2: As much as possible, eat foods as they were created—before they are changed or converted into something humans think might be better.
Principle 3: Avoid food addictions. Don’t let any food or drink become your god.

The God of Food by Mary DeMuth

2011-08-05T16:36:00.001-05:00

I am honored to feature a blog post written by Mary DeMuth, well-known author and speaker. I admire Mary’s spirit, love for Jesus and gift of using words to tell stories. She summarizes a perfect viewpoint of food in her “closing thoughts.” Please, please take the time to read her entire post (you will need to follow the link), explore her website and consider reading one of her books.

I struggle with food, but not in a huge way. I’m not the type to raid the kitchen at night or run around like a crazy person to lose weight. But I’ve read a lot about nutrition, and I’m here to tell you, it’s tyranny.

Of course we should eat right. Absolutely. I garden for this purpose. And I typically don’t eat packaged, plastic food because I believe the state that God created food is probably the best state to eat it.

So I read another book about nutrition that tells me a certain food is a no-no (Does it even matter what it is?), and I practically threw my hands heavenward. “I give up,” I told the empty room.

Because one day a food is deemed a miracle, and the next day it’s diabolical.

In that moment, I heard a still voice, “I am the God of food,” He said. “Trust Me.”

To continue reading click here.

Confessions of a Junk Food Junkie

2011-07-23T16:15:00.000-05:00

I searched for this picture when I first wrote this post a year ago. It surfaced yesterday. I decided to scan the picture and re-run the post. Shout out if you can relate to any of the following.

“Hello, my name is Barb and I am a reformed (almost) junk food junkie.” Truly. I was the child my parents took a picture of under the sign “Won’t Eat Vegetables” at the amusement park. Of course, at that time I didn’t eat anything. But, I changed. I evolved. I grew. To love potato chips, Diet Pepsi, pizza, and . . . ice cream! When I was in college, I thought the food groups were Pizza Hut, Monical’s Pizza and Domino’s. And since I lived alone, I could make one pizza last all three meals. Pretty cheap living, too.

As long as I am confessing, I will divulge that I am the only person I know who has had an apple go bad in my refrigerator. (Hint: just because you keep fruit in your refrigerator, does not mean that you are eating healthy.) For years I maintained that one day experts would disclose that potato chips and ice cream are the best foods for you. And then I would stand tall and proud because I had one-upped everyone.

But, I digress. I promised you this wouldn’t be about the right “diet.” Don’t get me wrong. They work. But, do they change us? Do they change our perspective and help us in the long run? Do they help us see food and its purpose differently? We want a healthy attitude as well as a healthy body.

Let’s review our definition for food: fuel for our bodies (God’s temple). Click here for post on defining food.

Now let’s go back to listing lies we believe.This list is not new to our generation or gender or race. These lies have been around as long as Satan has been around whispering in ears. Keep in mind that some of these lies could apply to any eating issue as well as other issues in our lives (addictions, bad habits . . .).

First, we will identify the lies. Then, we will look at how these lies affect us and if they contribute to sinful behavior. Then, we will replace the lies with truth.

Lies/Excuses/Validations/Justifications:

Since I have been successful, I can have a special treat.
It’s good for me, so I can eat as much as I want.
If I don’t eat this, it will go bad.
My eating habits have nothing to do with God.
I’ll miss out on something good.
Just one won’t hurt.
It’s a time of celebration/special occasion./It’s a party./I’m on vacation.
It’s too hard/too time-consuming/too expensive to eat properly.
I’m starting my diet tomorrow.
Eating this will relieve my stress.
This food will make me happy/give me comfort.
It tastes too good to waste.
There are people starving in Ethiopia.
It’s hard to restrain from eating what I really like.
This food will fill that “hole” that needs filled.
I need to eat this.
I’ll feel better after I’ve eaten this.
It’s not that bad for me.
If I turn it over to God, I’ll never enjoy food again/I’ll never be able to eat this again.
I’ve got it under control.
I’m in PMS.
I’ll eat better if I get sick.
I deserve it.
I will hurt the hosts'/hostess’ feelings if I don’t eat what he/she is serving.
I’m depressed.
It’s on sale.
If I eat it all now, it won’t be there to tempt me.
I’ll exercise it off.
If I don’t eat it, someone else will first.
Who cares what I eat?
Someone else is paying.
I need to get my money’s worth (at a buffet).
I’ve already ruined my diet today.
I was born in the wrong time period (a fuller body was in during the Renaissance Era)

(Thanks to all who contributed to this list.)

Have you ever said any of these to yourself? If so, you are not alone. And if you are wondering what is wrong with saying these to yourself read this post.

I would love to hear any thoughts related to this list of lies as well as anything else you tell yourself related to eating improperly.

Housekeeping:

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The One Day Way Book Review

2011-07-13T13:33:00.001-05:00

The following is a review of The One Day Way by Chantel Hobbs. I read and reviewed the book to keep my readers informed on available choices. I received the book free and would appreciate ratings on the review. (See the ratings box after the review.) If you received this post by email, click on the title of the post to go to the website.

As with many self-help books, I found some practical tidbits in The One Day Way. For example, the sixth commandment in “The One Day Way Food Rules” is to “Be aware of portion size” (p. 116). Good reminder. But overall, I found the book flat.

The author admonishes us to “change the way we measure success” (p. 16). The title and foundation of the book are summed up on page 17. “You will achieve success only by doing it today . . . one good decision at a time, one pound at a time, one day at a time as you meet one bite size goal at a time.” Basically, we should concentrate on today only, finding one positive triumph to celebrate at the end of each day. Her theory breaks down when she talks about having a plan and preparing for the start of your diet. It’s no longer about today. Additionally, she does not mention how to handle a day in which you have setbacks (no successes to celebrate).

My biggest disappointment lies in the section on faith. Ms. Hobbs believes our faith should be in ourselves—an “I can do it” mentality. In the list of ten “One-Day Ways to challenge you in the area of faith,” on page 72 she never mentions God or His word. I believe relying solely on yourself is a detriment to a rich, spiritual life. Therefore, other areas of your life, including eating and exercising, will suffer. For this reason, I do not recommend The One Day Way. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Justification or Glorification

2011-07-03T12:26:00.001-05:00

“Just one won’t hurt.” I have been told this by good-willed people offering my children a sugar-filled snack. I’ve heard it expressed in line at a potluck by an adult standing over the dessert table. It’s uttered by teenagers to justify an adverse behavior, such as drinking a beer, smoking a cigarette or kissing someone. I hear it whispered in my mind. One scoop of ice cream, one small cookie, one slice of cake, one piece of bread. One won’t hurt.

You may be thinking, “What’s wrong with one piece of cake?” I’m not trying to be nitpicky; but, typically we don’t say it once. We repeat it later in the day or the next day. It becomes a pattern, a recurring thought. And for some, it’s a springboard to the next thought, “One more won’t hurt.”

Let’s renew our minds--think differently—approach food from a different perspective.

“If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptian, for I am the Lord, who heals you” (Ex. 15:26).

What enters our mouths affects our well-being. God gave us guidelines to protect us physically, mentally, and spiritually.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

Maybe one won’t hurt. But maybe that’s not the direction from which we should approach food. I’d rather be able to say, “Eating this will glorify God,” or “Eating this will help sustain and fuel my body.” Our actions, be they eating, speaking, or working, either help us or hurt us. They either bring us closer to God or draw us farther away from Him.

How do you approach food?

On Celebrating Mediocrity

2011-06-12T19:44:00.000-05:00

Most diet plans encourage us to celebrate small successes.

I am not entirely against this. It’s just . . . I’m not entirely FOR it either.

Do you remember this scene from The Incredibles (2004)?
     Helen: I can't believe you don't want to go to your own son's graduation.
     Bob: It's not a graduation. He is moving from the 4th grade to the 5th grade.
     Helen: It's a ceremony!
     Bob: It's psychotic! They keep creating new ways to celebrate mediocrity, but if someone is genuinely exceptional...

While it may be progress to eat less junk food today than yesterday, it may or may not be something to applaud. If, at the end of the day, I evaluate my success or failure solely on the quanity/quality of food I ate, I miss something. My focus is off! I celebrate the wrong incident.

Worse . . . I sell myself short. I miss out on something better – a relationship with my Creator. I’m celebrating mediocrity.

It’s not the physical act of eating better today than yesterday that is worth rejoicing over.

Eating better than Joe next door isn’t cause for merriment. That’s not the plumb line.

Instead, let’s jump up and down

when we walk after the Spirit
when our wills line up with God’s will
when we are surrendered to the Holy Spirit

The results are better eating habits and a genuinely exceptional relationship with Christ.

Now THAT'S worth celebrating!

Yes It Counts

2011-06-02T20:34:00.000-05:00

I think it’s gross to finish my daughter’s half-eaten hamburger.

And I wouldn’t steal a sip of my son’s pop—he might have cooties.

But I have been known to lick a spoon covered with cookie batter.

Or snag a tortilla chip from the open bag on the counter.

I justify these actions by telling myself it doesn’t count.

But it does. even if it’s healthy

And those nibbles and drinks add up.

What about you?

Do you finish your spouse’s/child’s meal?
Do you grab a handful of popcorn and eat it on the go?
Do you justify your actions by pretending it doesn’t count?

Well . . . stop it.

Perspective

2011-05-24T16:00:00.011-05:00

“Friends, acquaintances, even family often think warriors are obsessed or compulsive, but that isn’t true. Obsessive and compulsive behaviors are, by definition, traits of individuals unable to control themselves. The warrior is just the opposite; he is the model of control. The warrior doesn’t seek pain, fear, fatigue, and the other unpleasant byproducts of constant training because he likes them. But he knows they are obstacles between him and his objectives. His goal is to overcome them, and he knows that to defeat an enemy, he must attack. It isn’t that the warrior is driven. He is the driver.” Living the Martial Way by Forrest Morgan as quoted by Nate Self in Two Wars

I read the above Sunday after hearing a sermon on Ephesians 6:10-18. In this passage, Paul admonishes us to put on the full armor of God because we are in a battle. And in this battle, we are to take a proactive position. We are to stand firm and fight, not cower and hide.

In 2002, Nate Self, Team Leader of Army Rangers, led his platoon into Afghanistan to rescue a missing soldier. Their helicopter was shot down while trying to land and Nate led a skirmish against Al-Qaeda in which several of his platoon members were killed in action. Nate quotes the above toward the beginning of his book while describing his training. Those who fight for the United States of America endure rigorous physical and mental exercises to prepare for war. They zip down ropes, memorize creeds, battle scenarios and tactics, run for hours with heavy equipment on their backs, and go without sleep and food. They are cut off from the rest of the world, immersed in various live-fire mission drills.

Right now soldiers are half-way around the world fighting for our right to sit on our butts and eat bon-bons while watching reality TV shows that are anything but reality. They take up their sword (weapon) every day to fight for my freedom to live a complacent life. And I’m complaining about how hard it is to say “No” to an extra piece of pie or one more serving of pasta. Wow. . . . Shame on me!

My perspective is off. I am a warrior in a battle like Nate and his buddies. I am called to prepare for battle—hide his word in my heart, pray, and put on the armor of God. Then I can “stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:11). God equips me as the U.S. Government equips our armed forces.

The next time I am tempted to go for a second serving (even though I’m full) I may think of Nate and what he suffered to protect me and my family. Maybe my conflict won’t appear so difficult and I will easily say “No.”

WINNER!

The winner of Pure Emotion by Susan Lawrence is Diana DePriest! Please contact me with your snail mail so I can send it to Susan. THANKS!

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Guest Blogger: Susan Lawrence, Pure Emotion Book Giveaway

2011-05-17T16:00:00.019-05:00

I am so excited to introduce Susan Lawrence as a guest this week. Susan encourages women through writing and speaking and is blessing one of you with her hot-off-the-presses new Bible Study Pure Emotion. Here is a partial description of the study from her website: "If your emotions aren’t reflecting the character of God…well, you’re probably distorting something and need to get back on track. That’s what this journey is about. Growing closer to God, getting to know him better, and committing to reflecting him more and more on a daily basis." Keep reading for entry details.

Too Full for Dessert?

“If you’re too full to finish your supper, you’re too full for dessert.”

Don’t you know we have separate stomachs for different food groups? Oh, wait. Cows have separate stomachs. People have one. Well, it seems like we have different stomachs. We’re not hungry for one type of food but craving another.

After driving for half a day to celebrate Christmas with family, we sat at the table for a light lunch. There were several platters and bowls on the table: everything we need to make sandwiches and a couple types of chips. Simple but good. When we were done, all the dishes were cleared and a new smorgasbord was delivered to the table. Desserts – a half dozen kinds of cookies and several types of candies. The table was more crowded with desserts than with the main meal! Of course, we all groaned that we couldn’t possibly eat another bite, but we somehow mustered the strength and began to graze.

We were full, but desserts sounded good, looked good, and they were conveniently located right in front of us.

It’s easy to compartmentalize our lives…and rationalize doing it!

“I already donated at the office.”

“I’ve been doing so well, I deserve this.”

“I don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings.”

If we take an honest look at our compartment complex, we’ll see the compartments we build aren’t even sturdy. We’re rarely rigid about our compartments. But we actually build temporary walls, so we can move them to fit whatever we want to rationalize. What we have to do in one situation is optional in another. Our stick-to-it-ness uses temporary glue, so we can move our commitments and convictions depending on convenience and situations.

What behaviors do you rationalize?

What discrepancies can you find in your responses to different people and situations?

What standard do you want to live by? What’s one constant you want to string through your life?

Tie a piece of string around your wrist. As you go through your day, let the string remind you of the constant standards you want to guide every decision and response in your life.

Guide me in your truth, and teach me, my God, my Savior. I trust you all day long. Psalm 25:5

Susan Lawrence is passionate about equipping and encouraging women through writing and speaking. She’s the author of two Bible studies, Pure Purpose and Pure Emotion. She loves dark chocolate and long walks, especially when her toes are in sand! Check out Susan’s words of encouragement and send her a note at http://purepurposebook.wordpress.com/. You can also connect at http://www.facebook.com/PurePurpose or www.twitter/susanhlawrence.

How to enter the drawing:

1. Post this blog to your facebook.
2. Tweet this post.
3. Email this post to your friends.
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5. Grab my button and put it on your blog or website. (If my button is already on your site, let me know.)
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7. Leave a comment for Susan.

IMPORTANT: Please let me know through facebook, email or the comment section which of the above you did.
Yes, your name could be entered into the drawing seven times!

The winner will be announced next week, so be sure to come back!

Pure Emotion trailer:

I Eat When I'm Bored

2011-05-10T16:00:00.010-05:00

I had surgery in early March. Since then my movements and capabilities have been restricted. I’ve been forced to clear my calendar and wait out the healing process. The end result: boredom.

One thing I am allowed to do: eat. Recently I noticed how often I eat from sheer boredom. I am not hungry nor is it meal time. I wander around wondering what to do and either see food (I’ve been keeping snacks on the counter because I can’t bend down to get them) or just begin to think about food. Then, before you know it, I’m eating.

In analyzing and praying about my predicament, I’ve realized a few things. The first is that I am “doing life” without God. I think I can make my own decisions and run my own life without consulting God. The second is that I am in auto-pilot mode. I act without thinking.

What is the answer? To begin, awareness. When I am aware of the circumstances that make it difficult to consult God and eat the way He wants me to, I should change the circumstances or my reaction to them. For example, I can put my snacks away. Thus, it is more difficult to grab and munch. Also, I can consult God about why I am bored and how I can change my schedule to fill in the gaps.

Additionally, I need to abide and seek Him. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you . . . My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:1,8).

Do you thirst for Him?

Are you clinging to Him?

Are you “doing life” without consulting the One who knows what is best for you? If so, turn, and run to Him. Cling to Him.

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Hope, Help & Healing for Eating Disorders Book Review

2011-05-03T16:30:00.001-05:00

The following is a book review of Hope, Help & Healing for Eating Disorders by Gregory L. Jantz, PhD with Ann McMurray. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books.

As a person who writes about food issues and how they relate to spiritual issues, I found the methods referred to in this book more useful and biblically accurate than many other methods. Using a whole-person approach which includes a spiritual element, the authors tackle difficult eating disorders and what they have coined as “disordered eating.” It was especially refreshing to hear them tie a person’s present day eating issues to past problems and spiritual issues. For instance, on page 26, they state, “The more you turn to a physical comfort like food, the less likely you are to turn to God for spiritual comfort.” Dr. Jantz and Ms. McMurray do not shy away from the tough stuff. For example, on page 42 they say, “By controlling what you eat, you are really trying to control that terrible pain.”

The authors use stories to relate to the reader on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Once the authors have established credibility, they guide the reader through the healing process using a multi-level approach. They write about anger, fear, guilt, and shame followed by forgiveness, the perfect Father, and learning to live. They unapologetically explain, “Blame only fuels the pain. Forgiveness dilutes its power.” (p. 54) and “. . . truth has the ability to heal. . . . Your truth is safe in God’s love.” (p. 62) “Self-hate argues against the truth of God’s love for you and the great value you have. . . . You can decide to stop listening to your self-hate and decide to hear the truth of God’s love for you.” (p. 138)

I recommend this book for anyone suffering through an eating disorder or disordered eating patterns. This book may also be beneficial for those related to someone with an eating disorder or a disordered eating pattern. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Please take a moment to rate this review.

I would love to give this book away. If you struggle with an eating disorder (anorexia, bulimia, or habitually overeating) or disordered eating and believe you would benefit from reading this book, please send me a private message or email.

Guest Blogger: Lisa Cowman

2011-04-26T14:55:00.000-05:00

I met Lisa at a writer's conference and was elated to find out she is a pastor's wife and only lives 45 minutes away. I am especially excited to introduce Lisa on this site because she co-wrote a bible study entitled "Esther" and graciously accepted an invitation to teach a ladies study this summer. If you live within driving distance of Carthage, consider joining us on Saturday mornings beginning June 11th to hear from Lisa and the Lord. Yes, there will be coffee!

LIE: The only way to celebrate is with food.

"It's payday girls. Let's celebrate!"

"Ooh...let's do TCBY's Yogwichs."

"No, I want McDonald's French Fries!"

"How about Starbucks, guys?"

We finally settle on Starbucks and sink down into the cozy corner chairs with our favorites.

"Yum, I love these," Meredith says, licking the whipped cream off the top of her Caramel Frappaccino."

"Oh no, these chocolate chunk cookies are the best!" Michaela says between mouthfuls.

"You're both wrong. The only way to go is Passionfruit Lemonade Tea," Madison said.

Why is it that it seems the only way to celebrate in the Cowman Household is with food? We love food! We love ice cream. We love pizza. We love coffees. Is there any other way to celebrate?

Hm...Logically speaking, there are lots of ways a family can celebrate. Even as I write this thoughts of Thanksgiving spreads flash before me, thoughts of our "Morning Christmas Casserole" and Christmas Eve Subs after our Christmas Eve service. Boy, it all involves FOOD!

Bu.u.t, but there really are lots of ways a family can celebrate - other ways. We love going to movies....BUTTERED POPCORN. We love taking walks on crisp fall or spring days...HOT CHOCOLATE with WHIPPED CREAM. We love lighting cinnamin candles, turning down the lights, playing quiet music and reading our favorite books...YES! NO FOOD!

Celebrations DON'T have to involve food!

The only way to celebrate is with food? That's a lie!

Lisa has spoken at numerous ladies' retreats and conferences and has co-authored a Bible study on Esther. She lives in Quincy, Illinois along with her pastor husband and four children. Her passion is to share with other ladies all of the joy and contentment that come from "real live faith". To read more about Lisa or to order her study, visit her website at http://reallivefaith.com/Home_Page.html and her blog at http://reallivefaith.blogspot.com/.

Does God Care?

2011-04-20T16:09:00.001-05:00

Traditionally, I spend the week from Palm Sunday to Easter contemplating Jesus’ last days on earth. My emotions waver as I consider His triumphal entry through His crucifixion and culminating in His resurrection. Today, I wonder if I have allowed these truths to penetrate every area of my life—specifically the area of eating. Typically, I focus on Jesus and His suffering and sacrifice. I think about how He felt and the agony He endured. I wonder what type of love He possessed that would drive Him forward knowing His fate. Certainly, I must think of Him and His life to understand who He is and to nurture a relationship with Him. But I don’t want to stop there. I want to let these truths wash over me and permeate to my core.

Years ago the question of who Jesus is was settled in my heart. Jesus, Son of Man, crucified and resurrected three days later, can only be the Messiah. With this knowledge, faith, and His saving grace, I walk with confidence knowing when my physical life ends my eternal life with God will only be beginning. But how do the truths of Christ’s last days, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection apply here and now? Does this knowledge make a difference this moment? Should it?

These questions lead me to ask: Was God only interested in our eternal well-being when He sent His son as an atonement for our sins? One reason we don’t let God enter every area of our life is because we think he doesn’t care. We think God doesn’t notice how many jelly beans we pop into our mouths or He isn’t paying attention when we reach for a second Reese’s peanut butter cup. But He is and He does! And I wonder if He feels pain or sorrow because we have shut Him out.

God does care about the details of our lives. He proves it through Scripture. During Jesus’ last hours He predicted Peter’s denial, made sure John would take care of Mary, and answered a dying thief’s last request. And while Jesus “was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood,” (Luke 22:44 NLT) He still showed concern for His disciples by reminding them to, “keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak” (Mark 15:38 NLT).

My friend, God cares—about you and the details of your life. Include Him in each decision, large or small. Better yet, allow Him to make the decision.

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God Loves You. Period.

2011-04-14T08:47:00.001-05:00

Kathy gazes at herself in the mirror. Her eyes drop slowly to her thick neck.

Susan pulls on a red tank top. One look at her upper arms and she reaches for the blue short-sleeved top instead.

Mary refuses an invitation to a swimming party, too self-conscious to don a suit.

Self-image—what we believe about ourselves—plays an important role in our overall health.
Self-images are formed early in life based on how our parents treat us, what our friends say, and our own thoughts. These images transform as we mature, experience life’s ups and downs, and assess our worth. When grounded in truth, images are positive and work in our favor. Otherwise, a negative image emerges.

Self-image based on distorted perceptions can radically affect eating habits. While one person permits perceived imperfections to be an excuse for eating more, another allows those same thoughts to be the motivating force behind an extreme diet. Painful comments and situations, such as a parent’s persistent reference to a child’s weight gain, may trigger a lifestyle of improper eating, be it overeating, under eating, or under nourishment. Adolescence also wreaks havoc on self-images. We are blessed if we make it through unscathed.

So, how do we combat these thoughts and perceptions? Choose to believe truth. Listen to the One who speaks truth. It’s not too late. A healthy self-image leads to a joyful life and healthier lifestyle (including eating an appropriate amount of food).

God is your Creator and you were made in His image (Gen 1:27). You are his workmanship (Eph 2:10) and are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14). You are priceless; so much so He sent His son to die on the cross for you. He loves you and accepts you right where you are, faults and all. He does not require anything from you. God will continue to love you and accept you even if you never change. Believe Truth! Rearrange your self-image around God’s Word.

What do you think of yourself?

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Do you believe God loves you and accepts you unconditionally?

What Motivates You?

2011-04-07T20:48:00.002-05:00

A hearty "welcome" to those visiting from a guest post I had the privilege of writing this week. If you are new, be sure to comment and tell me how you found my blog.

The following is an encore presentation of a post ran last year.

What motivates you? Why do you get out of bed in the morning? Why do you send your children to school each day? Seriously, wouldn’t it be easier to yield to their whining and let them stay home? (Or, for us home schoolers, to say “Okay,” when they request to skip Math for the sixth day in a row?) Do you send them because you have to, or because you want something great for them?

What motivates you to stop at a red light? Is it fear of getting a ticket?

At some point in the past . . . ahem . . . well, since I turned 16, I quit fearing the police and began stopping at red lights because I understood the light was there to protect me. An authoritative figure within our government implemented this law to help traffic flow better and to help us reach our destinations safer and easier. As time passed and I stopped at more red lights, the urge to run the light diminished. And now, as a mother, I am very thankful for the law that requires me, and those around me, to stop at red lights. I approach traffic lights with confidence. I know my children are protected and safe because of that very light. I am no longer even remotely tempted to run it (even if I am late).

What motivates you to eat properly?

When we eat well because we fear the consequences, the effects do not last. Fear is a great motivator; but, it is typically short-lived. I’m not saying we shouldn’t look at our physical problems and evaluate the paths we are taking. It may be that fear of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, sinus infections, back issues, etc. will prompt us to take a fresh approach to our diet. But if we allow that fear to be our main motivator, we cross over into legalism. It becomes a “have to” we are enslaved to. The constantness feels like chains. “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (John 8:34 NIV).

My motives for stopping at a red light changed as I understood the law and its purpose. In the same way, we need to change how we think about food and its purpose. Otherwise we have only exchanged one lie for another. Instead of believing “Only one won’t hurt,” or “I can cheat because it’s a celebration,” we now believe “If I eat this bad item, God will punish me,” or “Eating well is a sacrifice.” That is not freedom in Christ.

Freedom in Christ comes from choosing to obey God through His grace because we know He loves us - not because we feel an obligation or a fear. The more we understand His love for us, the more we love and trust Him. We grasp that He gives us His laws and commands, through His written word and prayer and others, to protect us, not enslave us. Then we can say, as the Psalmist, “I rejoice in following your statutes, as one rejoices in great riches.” Ps. 119:14 (NIV) Even if we don’t comprehend His specific purpose for us at this moment, we choose to walk in His path. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) As we walk on His path, we experience His peace and grace.

Are you on a path leading to freedom in Christ?

Are you motivated by fear or love? I would love to hear your thoughts.

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(Don took the above picture in St. John, Canada in 2008.)

Guest Blogger Marie Notcheva (Part 3 of 3)

2011-04-05T17:47:00.003-05:00

I want to thank Marie, again, for contributing this excellent post. This final installment really brings it home.

Beyond Freedom from Food Addiction – Living for the Glory of God (Part 3 of 3)

This is Part 3 in a series by guest blogger Marie Notcheva. To read Part 1 click here. To read Part 2 click here.

What is the Antidote?

Overcoming food-related struggles and obsessive thinking about food, weight and appearance is notoriously difficult. Nevertheless, full and permanent victory is possible, and it all begins by being “brainwashed.” Surprised? No, Scripture doesn’t send us to a hypnotist to deal with sin; rather, we are instructed to“be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This is an ongoing, life-long process which all begins with saturating ourselves in the Word of God. As we study and meditate on what God’s thoughts, desires and priorities are, gradually we internalize them and they become our own. If your mind is “set on the things above” (Col. 3:2), it will be preoccupied less and less with food. When we learn to live with an eternal perspective, the “drugs” and other means we use to gain pleasure fade in importance. Addictions are broken only when we begin to truly see the all-surpassing beauty and magnificence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Simply put, Jesus must become more beautiful, more satisfying, more desirable and more fulfilling than our addiction. As C.S. Lewis put it, we are too easily satisfied – making mud pies in a slum when a “holiday” at the seaside awaits.

Repentance is a continual lifestyle. Whether our “pet sin” is adultery or food addiction, humbling ourselves at the foot of the Cross is not a one-time deal – we need His grace daily in order to “press on” and “put on” holiness. This cycle of confession of sin, repentance, receiving mercy, allowing God to change us with His grace, and gradually being transformed into the likeness of His Son is what theologians call “progressive sanctification”. While we’ll never be perfect this side of eternity, we can certainly experience significant victory over “pet sins”.

Far from being the final word, repentance is just the first step in our journey out of the pit of food addiction. Discipline and perseverance are the two qualities God wants to cultivate in us, and constitute what biblical counseling pioneer Jay Adams calls “the secret of godliness”. “Train yourselves to be godly,” Paul warns in 1 Timothy 4:7. “But wait a minute,” you might ask. “Isn’t this ‘works-righteousness’?” Actually, no. While God completely forgives and washes us clean the moment we turn to Christ (justification), He then equips us and develops fruit in our lives so that we may obey and serve Him (sanctification).

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and discipline is a necessary part of our growth as believers. Without it, we run out of steam and learn to live by our feelings. When fighting food-related issues, this can be deadly! Eating is something we all do every day (which is perhaps why eating disorders seem more difficult to many than other addictions), and so we must constantly be on our guard. We do this by hiding the Word of God in our hearts (Psalm 119:11) and yielding to the Spirit (Romans 8:5). Discipline is something we train ourselves to do, whether we feel like it or not. If we are not consistently in His Word, which is our life-line, we will find ourselves slipping.

Lastly, don’t be tempted to think that victory over an area of besetting sin in your life will be easy, or come immediately. This is where many give up. They expect God to wave a magic wand over them, in effect, and take away all temptation. He has left temptation there for a reason – to build your character, and grow you into the person He wants you to be, even through your weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). Perseverance in your walk with Christ is so crucial. If you feel you fail and have turned back to the food again, it is vital that you get back up and shake it off. The Apostle Peter, a man who experienced the exhilarating highs of spiritual victory and the devastating lows of failure, wrote this on the importance of persevering: “For this very reason, [God’s promise of godliness] make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7).

As you continue to draw near to God by studying His Word, worshiping Him, and fellowshiping with other Christians, He will purify your desires, goals and cravings. You will find your deepest satisfaction comes from communion with Him, and although you will still stumble at times, you will be able to come back with confidence more readily because of His grace. The change in your “relationship” with food will be to demote it permanantly to a back-seat role in your life. However, this is only a fringe benefit to the only relationship that matters – the one you have with Christ. When living to please and glorify Him becomes your driving life’s passion, all other lesser goals will fall into their rightful place. The end result? A maturing, dynamic faith and a testimony of victory over vice.

Marie Notcheva is a Christian author from Massachusetts, who is working towards certification as a biblical counselor. Her book, "Redeemed from the Pit: Biblical Repentance and Restoration from the Bondage or Eating Disorders" will be published by Calvary Press later this year. Her work has appeared in The Guardian Modern Reformation, Baystate Parent, and several other publications. She blogs at http://redeemedfromthepit.blogspot.com/.

Guest Blogger Marie Notcheva (Part 2 of 3)

2011-03-29T16:20:00.002-05:00

Beyond Freedom from Food Addiction – Living for the Glory of God (Part 2 of 3)

This is Part 2 in a series by guest blogger Marie Notcheva. To read Part 1 click here.

What Hinders You?

If you struggle with over-eating, preoccupation with your weight and/or food, or a tendency to use food for emotional reasons, you probably realize very well that this is outside of God’s will for your life. You may even recognize that you are engaged in a spiritual battle (Eph. 6:12). You’ve read passages warning believers not to be “mastered by anything” but rather to “be self-controlled and alert” (1 Cor. 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8). And yet, as common as “food abuse” is, in the day-to-day we tend to think of it as a “common vice.”
Unlike full-blown eating disorders, which are so clearly problematic that psychiatrists consider anorexia and bulimia “mental illnesses,” binge eating, emotional eating, and habitual eating fall under what author Jerry Bridges would term “respectable sins” because they are so prevalent in our society. This helps us rationalize these behaviors when temptation hits.

Is this your mindset? If so, know that you are not alone. It may help you to know that if you are bingeing or just eating out of habit, it is not a physical hunger you are trying to fill. Trying to “fill the void” with food is futile, so allow God to show you what it is you are seeking when you turn to it for satisfaction instead of to Him. Unless you see this temptation as a spiritual battle, you will not be prepared to fight it with the “shield of faith” and the “sword of the Spirit” (God’s Word).

Another hindrance to overcoming unhealthy eating habits is shame. Winston Smith, a CCEF counselor, recently wrote an excellent article on how shame over our sin keeps Christians from turning to the Cross – the very place we need to go! He writes, “I’m sure Peter, like most of us, would rather figure out some way of cleaning himself. At least part of us would find prideful satisfaction in being able to take care of our own mess. But another sizeable part would like to avoid having another, especially Jesus, see our filth. And the thought of Jesus having to touch it . . . well, that makes us just want to say no.”

There is something about mis-using food that makes us want to run and hide. Among eating disordered patients, anorexia is “the goal” they all want to attain. No one aspires to be bulimic. Why? We see it as more “shameful” – bulimia, like binge eating, represents a loss of self-control. And it is shameful – as is all other sin. When we believe the lie that one sin is more abhorrent to God than another, we deceive ourselves that we are not worthy of His grace (no one is, but He grants it because He is gracious). Hiding in the shadows not only delays and complicates repentance, it is an affront to God’s character. We dishonor Him when we ignore or doubt His mercy, which is new every morning (Lam. 3:23).

Whatever the depth of your struggle, there is grace when you fail. God is waiting for you to get up, seek Him, and continue walking with Him by faith. You may think you are a disappointment to God, but think about it: He is omniscient. He already knew you were going to do “that”, and has already dealt with your sin. The way out is to accept grace, and keep “pressing on.”

Marie Notcheva is a Christian author from Massachusetts, who is working towards certification as a biblical counselor. Her book, "Redeemed from the Pit: Biblical Repentance and Restoration from the Bondage or Eating Disorders" will be published by Calvary Press later this year. Her work has appeared in The Guardian Modern Reformation, Baystate Parent, and several other publications. She blogs at http://redeemedfromthepit.blogspot.com/.

Guest Blogger Marie Notcheva

2011-03-22T16:16:00.002-05:00

I met Marie through a blogging community and was instantly drawn to her writing because of her tell-it-like-it-is approach. She uses her personal story and the Word to edify and encourage others struggling with food issues. There is a wealth of information packed into these next three blog posts. Thank you, Marie!

Beyond Freedom from Food Addiction – Living for the Glory of God (Part 1 of 3)
In December 2003, God impressed the words “Live up to what you’ve already attained!” (Philippians 3:16) very strongly on my heart. At the time, He was granting me repentance from a long-standing eating disorder, and, as any Christian stuck in life-dominating sin would be, I was thoroughly miserable. That misery began to change to hope as I pondered the implication of that verse: what have I already attained? In context, Paul is talking about the believer’s secure position by knowing Christ. Since we are free from the Law, he reasons, we have now only to “press on to take hold of” what Christ has already attained for us: the “righteousness that comes from God” (v. 9). Although I had been a Christian for 13 years, I now began pondering what my position in Christ actually meant, practically speaking. Although I was not acting “righteous”, slowly I began to see that because of my union with Him, I was not, in reality, a slave to sin. My salvation already secured, God had declared me a member of His family and a co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). Now, He was encouraging me to act like it. Live up to what you already are, I told myself, because of Christ. He made it possible.

One of the lies we are prone to believe, whether we struggle with “food addiction” or another sin, is that we cannot change. The habit has enslaved us, we believe; it is impossible to change on our own. (And indeed it is, apart from the Holy Spirit). It becomes all too easy to forget that we are no longer slaves to sin, and that God calls and equips us to become in practice what we already are in standing before Him.

Let’s examine our true purpose in life; some obstacles as we strive to overcome our love-hate relationship with food; and finally, how to deal with these snares biblically.

What Is Your Goal?

Recently, an old friend of mine stated that Weight Watchers is helping her with her life goal: changing her relationship with food. This is a worthy endeavor, and we know that we need to restore food to its appropriate, life-giving place in our lives. For those of us who are in Christ, however, this must never be our primary goal. Our purpose in life is to love, worship and bring glory to God. Three times in the book of Ephesians, Paul exhorted us to “live to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:6, 12, 14). Whenever another all-consuming purpose takes center stage in our hearts, (even if it’s a good thing), it’s called an “idol.”

I have seen this reversal of priorities repeatedly when counseling eating disordered women. During the years I was enslaved to bulimia, I was guilty of it myself. I desperately wanted to be free of the food-obsession that plagued my every waking moment, and devised countless tactics and diets in attempt to stave off the behavior. At the same time, however, I was terrified of gaining weight. Overcoming bulimia, without gaining weight, had become my idol. My “practical theology” was messed up – fitting into size 2 jeans was more important to me than my relationship with Christ. Needless to say, my “relationship with food” never changed – because my focus was misplaced.

We need to fix our eyes on Jesus, the “author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). When we do that, He brings the conviction and encouragement needed to re-order every area of our lives, including unhealthy eating patterns. Does your happiness and joy in Christ depend on how much you weigh? If so, you are focusing on the wrong “relationship.” If pleasing and honoring God is our goal (rather than losing weight or thinking less about food), we find ourselves less tempted to use the food as a counterfeit comfort and we experience victory in this area (however gradually it may come). When counseling bulimic women, I notice many of them want to keep a food journal. I discourage this practice, as I don’t feel it is helpful and puts too much attention on the food itself (although for anorexic patients, a record of food intake may be necessary for nutritionists or physicians). My counsel (and experience) is that spending that time in the Word of God or a Bible study is far more helpful than keeping a food journal. Our gaze needs to be directed upward to the Cross, rather than inward on self.

In Christian weight loss circles or recovery groups, much is made of the reference to eating and drinking in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” However, to fixate solely on those two activities and to build a “program” around them is to miss Paul’s point. The emphasis is on “whatever” you do – it should all be done with the end goal of glorifying God (making His Name known and exalting Him by living in joyful obedience). Fixing individual areas of our life that give us problems must never be our primary goal. Living a life that is pleasing to God, out of sheer gratitude for the grace He has lavished on us, should be our desire.

Marie Notcheva is a Christian author from Massachusetts, who is working towards certification as a biblical counselor. Her book, "Redeemed from the Pit: Biblical Repentance and Restoration from the Bondage or Eating Disorders" will be published by Calvary Press later this year. Her work has appeared in The Guardian Modern Reformation, Baystate Parent, and several other publications. She blogs at http://redeemedfromthepit.blogspot.com/.