Food, an American idol

July 31st, 2008 Tim Posted in SevenLakes Info |

(Nancy) “Worship is living our life individually and corporately as continuous living sacrifices [of time, energy, money, health] to the glory of a person or thing.” (Mark Driscoll, Vintage Jesus).

According to Turning Point of Tampa (which I’m not endorsing or criticizing), “Food addiction symptoms include cravings, impulsiveness, loss of control, secretiveness and the inability to feel satisfied. The food addict is relentlessly pursued by thoughts of food.” Food obsession entails “frequently recurring thoughts about buying, preparing and eating food.”

Americans spend over $33 billion a year on weight control and $70 billion a year on health-related costs of obesity. (http://www.ftc.gov/os/1998/03/weightlo.rpt.htm#4)

I believe the costs are much higher, both financially, relationally and spiritually. Many of us spend excess dollars on excess food, then spend more to someone to help us get rid of the excess weight we put on. The other day I was in HEB and I saw a small plastic bag which held tiny individual packages of cheese that were each a Weight Watcher point. Now that’s religion: controlling the environment in an attempt to prevent sin. Discipline and “will power” only lasts so long. I know, I’ve lost the same 40 pounds about 5 times. Besides, when we lose weight that way, we only trade one idol (food) for another (pride).

It’s funny, when someone loses weight, what do people ask? “How’d you do it?!” The answer is generally the name of some diet plan or “I ate less and exercised more”, as if that’s a secret none of us knew. The real question no one asks is “Did you quit worshipping food?” or “Did you break the hold it has over your life?”

I believe in a big God. He created the universe out of nothing, simply by speaking. He reigns over all but He is good. He actually cares. He cares enough to send His Son to die for us and make us new. And he doesn’t stop there. Romans 8:26-27 (NIV) tells us that ”the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself  intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”

I had been under the impression that my relationship with food was something God didn’t care about or, if He did, it was my problem to work out. I have been convicted that He does care. Let’s see, Exodus 20, Ten Commandments: I was breaking the first commandment to worship and serve God alone, including caring for the temple of God. (See 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, I realize it’s mostly about sexual immorality but I think it really applies to this too)… so my relationship with God was impaired. I was essentially stealing money God had stewarded to me, coveting, and not particularly honoring my husband…so my relationship with others was impaired as well.

Great, so it’s sin, what now? Confession, repentance and, oh yeah, maybe I’ll ask for help. Who knows, God’s a big God. I’m here to tell you that He’s real and He helps. It’s been two days and there’s been nothing but freedom. I still love food, but it’s not mastering me any more. During my adult life, I’ve enjoyed wine and beer in moderation, without it having a hold over me. That’s what it’s like with food now. It may not always be this easy but I’m trusting in God now.

For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:17-18, NIV)

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:13-16, NIV)