The Lord wants us to love life.
The Lord wants us to love celebration.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the do’s and don’ts, in the legalities and expectations, that we forget to embrace our freedom – we forget to have fun.
We also get caught up worrying about what other people are doing or what other people will think.
But if we are believers, the most important thing is what God will think. And remember, God’s love is out the box!
Romans 14:5-6 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
Some people might believe that one day is more important than another. And others might believe that every day is the same. Everyone should be sure about their beliefs in their own mind. 6 Those who think one day is more important than other days are doing that for the Lord. And those who eat all kinds of food are doing that for the Lord. Yes, they give thanks to God for that food. And those who refuse to eat some foods do that for the Lord. They also give thanks to God.
We are living in a time where everyone seems to have an opinion on everything. New research is being brought to our attention almost daily. One minute salt is out. The next minute salt is in and sugar is out – way out. Bacon is a delicious ‘killer’. Peanuts are poisonous. And fresh whole foods are almost the only way to go.
Carbs are also getting the big thumbs down. Gluten is to be avoided at all costs. ‘At all costs’ being the operative words because anything that is gluten free, costs an arm and a leg.
And food combining is said to be the perfect solution for all tummy trouble.
So in amongst all this information, what is Truth?
Well, lets look back at the scriptures – because the truth is always found in the word.
Acts 10:11-16 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
He saw something coming down through the open sky. It looked like a big sheet being lowered to the ground by its four corners. In it were all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds. Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill anything here and eat it.”
But Peter said, “I can’t do that, Lord! I have never eaten anything that is not pure or fit to be used for food.”
But the voice said to him again, “God has made these things pure. Don’t say they are unfit to eat.” This happened three times. Then the whole thing was taken back up into heaven.
From this, we can see that Jesus gave us permission to eat almost anything. Jesus ate fish and bread together – cooked fish. And bread!!
And because God created us, his son Jesus would not teach us to eat or drink in a way that is harmful to us.
The key is BALANCE.
To eat as nutritiously as possible.
To restrict our intake of processed and convenience foods.
Enjoy fruit and vegetables in abundance. If you love meat, fish, seafood, chicken – eat it!
And remember … too much of a good thing can become bad for us too.
The main problem that we face nowdays is the method in which the food is grown or prepared. There are so many more people on our planet and there are so many more food options available to us. Not to mention that the emphasis on food is incessant. Convenience foods, restaurants and coffee shops are on every corner and almost every social occasion revolves around eating and drinking.
So what are we to do?
Remember that the key is BALANCE
Eat and drink in MODERATION
And every so often, enjoy a cleanse or DETOX
A Detox is a great discipline. Even if its only done once a year.
By putting in a few restrictions, it will help us take our focus off food. It will stop us reaching for that extra glass of wine and we will actually start feeling light and energized again.
I have just embarked upon a 2 week detox. It is one that I made up myself so it’s not scientific or technical. I just cut out 5 things that I know are my point of over-indulgence.
Coffee (I had 4-5 cups a day)
Sugar (2 spoons in each coffee, sweets and chocolates galore)
Wine (1-2 glasses every night)
Carbs (muffins, rusks and heaps of pasta)
High fat (butter!)
It has only been 2 days but I am already feeling better for it.
I will write about the journey when it is over.
Here is to good health!