Healthy Eating is Not About Me

I am a bit of a chocolate addict.  I try not to buy candy when the neighborhood kids are selling them for school because I lack self-control in this department.  I can’t simply eat one chocolate truffle. I will eat the whole box within twenty-four hours.  

I know my weakness. I realized I had a serious obsession a couple of years ago when a friend and I decided to treat ourselves to an evening out. After a delicious dinner, we decided to split a desert – except she wanted a chocolate shake, and I wanted a fudge pie. Rather than flip a coin, we decided to order both. Twenty minutes later, I had a serious stomach ache, and a heavily convicted heart.  My friend felt equally horrible, and that day we made a pact to fast chocolate for a season. 

Gluttony is a sin. 

When I eat chocolate, I am usually not “keeping my body under” as Paul advised us to do in I Corinthians 9.  As God’s disciple, I need to live like an athlete during training season.  I’ve come to realize that sometimes I need to say “no” to my stomach in order to say “yes” to God.  Healthy eating is part of living a crucified life that stays on mission. 

Healthy eating is not about me.  It’s about living a life that is obedient to the wisdom found in God’s Word.  

Let’s keep in mind 3 Biblical Principles that provide direction in this area: 


1. My body is God’s dwelling place.  How holy is my temple if I am lead by my stomach?

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (I Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV).


 2. Undisciplined habits are potential stumbling blocks. What is more important to me – feasting on everything my eyes see or fasting junk to achieve God’s greater calling for my life? 

“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” (I Corinthians 8:13).



3. Bringing God glory should trump satisfying my appetite.  Aren't God’s servants held to a higher standard and called to live a crucified life? 

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God….For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved” (I Corinthians 10:31 & 33). 

As God’s ambassador, I am called to live a life that focuses on serving others, not myself.  I am called to live a life above reproach.  I am to yield every part of me to my Savior – even chocolate candy bars.  

About Lyli

Lyli Dunbar loves teaching. For 17 years, she mentored teenagers in the Christian school setting, and now she has serves as Associate Director of Curriculum at Trinity International University Florida. Lyli married her Prince Charming in her 40’s and has a heart for encouraging young couples and singles in God’s waiting room.  She enjoys road trips with her husband, connecting with women through Bible study, and reading way too many books. Lyli writes about life lessons and faith on herpersonal blog. You may also connect with her on Facebook,Twitter, and Pinterest.

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