Christians and Fitness-Part 1-Diet

Many Christians spend, or have spent plenty of time speaking out against alcohol and tobacco, while at the same time pulpits and pews are filled with overweight and obese ministers and members. I contend that lack of self control, whether involving alcohol or food, is the same. Both are harmful to the health of the individual, have serious long term health consequences,and create numerous family and social issues.

Despite numerous attempts, I've yet to have anyone convince me that the wine of Biblical times wasn't fermented. We find the Bible warning not against the drinking of wine, but the abuse and over indulgence in wine. Lest you think I'm getting off topic, it offers the same warning against over indulgence in food.

Proverbs 23:20-21 (NIV)

20 Do not join those who drink too much wine

or gorge themselves on meat,
21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor,

and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Further evidence for the importance of good dietary practices can be found in the story of Daniel.

Daniel 1:5,8,11-15 (NIV)

5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king's table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king's service.

8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.
15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

When it comes to eating habits and diet, it is important for Christians to exercise restraint and good judgement. Before exercise enters into the equation, our diet (which is a noun, not a verb)forms the foundation for our fitness levels.

What I am wanting to convey is the idea that as Christians we should look at every aspect of our lives and see whether or not it contributes to our ability to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. I would contend that if our dietary practices are prone to cutting our time on Earth short, then we are failing.

Some may argue that when our number is up, it's up, that we can't add one more minute to our life. To those folks I would encourage them to play Russian roulette every day if they truly believe that their actions do not have any consequence in determining their longevity. To everyone else I'd encourage you to consider your choices, are you working with God to maximize your time here on Earth. Time that can be utilized serving Him and reaching others.

I've bounced all over the place with this post, hopefully it has made a fraction of sense. If it hasn't, comment on here and ask me to clarify my point(s) and accept my apology up front. If you disagree with me, let me know, I've been wrong once or twice. ;>)

God Bless,

James