I love to run. I love to eat. In fact, I love to run because I love to eat. Now only if chocolate chip cookies were part of a healthy diet I would be golden! But sadly it is not. Now where was I going with that… ah food and eating.
Many people, myself included, have an unhealthy relationship with food. We either eat too much or too little… or not enough of the good stuff to fuel our bodies properly. As a mother and a woman, I am trying to figure out the best food to fuel my body. As a Christian the question arises… does God care what I put in my body? I believe the answer is a firm YES.
I am in a group with other likeminded Fitness and Faith inspired bloggers. Each month we will have a topic to discuss, this month is about what we put in our body. It isn’t a question that one can answer simply yes or no. I found that I had to open my Bible and really read and find what He says to share my answer.
Does God care what I put in my body?
I believe that God created everything for a purpose. When he created the earth, he was careful to make sure that everyone (plants, animals and humans) had the resources needed to survive: air, sun, water, food. I am looking at this question from a mother’s heart. I know that God loves me (my children, and YOU) so deeply… much more than I love my own children. So if I care what my children put in their body… I am positive God cares what I put in my body.
God Provides
I believe that God cares so deeply for what we put in our bodies that he provides for us. He created the plants and animals for us to eat. If he didn’t care what we put in our body, he wouldn’t have provided and created food for us to eat.
Genesis 9:3 – “Every living creature will be food for you; as I gave the green plants, I have given you everything.”
He loves us and provides for us, just as a mother lovingly provides for her child. We make sure our children are without foot and we provide for them.
Psalm 136:25 – “He gives food to every living creature. His love is eternal.”
In Philippians 4:19 we are reminded that God will supply all my needs according to his riches in glory. God provides for us. God loves us. These needs may not always go in line with what we feel we need (chocolate chip cookies, pop, chips, the new cool GPS running watch) but God will supply all my needs according to His glory.
God is love and He provides for us. How much greater does He love us than the birds of the air? Yet he provides and feeds the birds.
Matthew 6:26 – “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
God Teaches
Just because God created everything and provides the resources for us to eat… it doesn’t mean that we can go hog wild. God also teaches and instructs us how to take care of our earthly bodies. In fact, often times he repeats himself on multiple occasions when a point needs to be drive home.
1 Corinthians 6:12 “Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is helpful.”
1 Corinthians 10:23 “Everything is permissible but not everything is helpful.”
This same lesson and phrase was repeated because it is an important one. Just because it is there… doesn’t mean it is helpful (or good for you). This is something we can take and learn from with regard to our nutrition: GMO’s, sugar, processed food, over-indulgence.
God Cares
As a mom, I care what my children do to and put in their body. I made them and I love them. I don’t want them causing harm to their body or eating foods that do not benefit them. How much greater does God love ME (YOU! THEM!) and what we put in our body. God cares what we eat.
1 Corinthians 6:15 – “Do you know that your bodies are part of Christ’s body?”
I believe this question is asked by many. We wonder what this whole healthy eating thing has to do with me as a Christ follower. But in reality, it has everything to do with how we live our life. We are to take care of our bodies.
There are some fantastic Bible studies on the market that cover this exact topic (and digs deeper). One of my favorite studies is by Lysa Terkeurst, Made To Crave. In this study, you are reminded and taught that you are made to crave God not food.
To answer my question posted above: Does God care what I put in my body? I believe yes. Yes, He does care what we put in our body. Just as a mother cares what her child eats (how much, how often) so much more so does our Father care about what we eat!
Related Posts:
Power of Positive Thinking
Hard Does Not Mean Impossible
Running Hutch: Does God Care What I Eat?
Putt-Putt Runner: G.I.G.O – FFInspired
Run By Faith and Margaritas: Does God Care What Food I Eat?
Running With Perseverance: Does God Care What I Eat?
Well said. I love the mother’s perspective you bring!
Oh yes, of course… its his creation & he cares about all his creation. its a temple that we worship with… our health is a gift. I could talk about this forever… love your scriptures you added & the Lysa goodies. I just finished Made to Crave myself.
Great thoughts!
Awesome post! Loved reading your perspective on this! Can’t wait for April’s symposium!! 🙂
Thank you! xoxo
Very thought provoking and well said, Rachel. I love the parent/Mother analogy. I have given this a lot of thought myself over the past few years so was interested to read your thoughts, too.
You couldn’t be more right rachel and I feel the same way. I have always been taught to respect what has been given to you and your body is definitely #1!
I know for sure He does! He cares about everything that concerns us! This is well said and a perfect reminder for the New Year!
Thank you!
Great post, I love the parent/child analogy. I think no matter what peoples beliefs are, it is important to realize that the life and body we are given is truly a gift, and we must cherish, nourish, and protect it!
I most definitely believe God cares what we put in our body. Whether it be food, drugs, alcohol, etc.
I think you’ve shared a perspective of healthy eating that many might not have considered. Love the go-to scripts graphic!