Discipline at the Dinner Table!
It is funny to me how people respond to my seemingly strict daily diet. I want to write an article from my heart. Not one on weight loss, running, or leadership, but rather on discipline of the diet.
For those of you who don’t know, or maybe never realized, I am a firm believer that the Bible is God’s inspired Word to mankind. Please understand that I am not writing this as attacking or antagonistic but rather out of the passion from my own heart! So here goes…
It is really funny to me how people react when they go to a restaurant with me and I order things such as salads with no dressing, no bacon, and no cheese…chicken with no sauce, or oil and butter…the response is nearly always the same, almost as if I am crazy!
Usually the discussion is highlighted by the question, “isn’t everything ok in moderation”? The answer which is in my own opinion is of course, for most that is true, but not to someone with a history of food abuse. Not to me, someone who use to weigh 321+ lbs. It is also my opinion that when I was this obese and sedentary I was killing myself and my family through my poor daily choices. I was literally passing on the baton of a lifestyle that led to obesity, poor cardiac health, diabetes, an other health related issues and obstacles. Who knows how many generations could have been impacted by the lifestyle I was modeling to my children?
The truth is as a pastor I was completely convicted of my lifestyle. It seemed that week after week I would stand before the congregation and tell the people in order to have the fullness of life, and relationship they sought with God that they had to exhibit Godly character. After all who is going to argue against the thought that the life of a true Christian should reflect and ultimately lead to the fruits of the Spirit being on display?
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
I mean there it was, staring me in the face and I felt helpless…I had a extreme problem with the self-control part, that is until the conviction of the Holy Spirit grabbed my heart like never before! At that moment EVERYTHING changed.
One question I have for everyone is this, why are people who are addicted to food looked at differently then people caught in other addictions? I mean when is the last time someone taught alcohol was ok in moderation at an AA group or to someone who lost their family due to their problem? When is the last time people actually encouraged a person caught in a gambling addiction to just go to the casino and gamble in moderation? Maybe I am way off base with my thoughts…I’d really like to have some interaction with this though.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think eating junk food, or relaxing is sin. I PERSONALLY struggle with food, I have and probably always will face this battle. This is a battle that is winnable; it is one that God has helped me overcome. This is still a daily battle and God has completely transformed my life, anyone who use to know me will personally attest to this I am sure.
For me gluttony is a very real enemy. It can simply be defined as excess in eating or drinking.
I know what my life was like before this transformation took place. I would wake up feeling tired, depressed, and defeated before the day even began. Now when I arise in the morning, I am typically filled with energy, and look forward to a victorious day. If asking the waiter to hold the butter helps me this much…if it means avoiding the daunting task of carrying around an extra 131 pounds, then I can do without salad dressing!
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Please know that this is not a pointed philosophy on how Ben Emmons thinks everyone should live, or order, or eat. It is a very personal insight in my thoughts and feelings. Please feel free to respond, vent, or ask questions however you feel is appropriate.
Thank you for this my brother. You are a blessing and an inspiration. I have struggled with my weight for years, however a couple of months ago I was convicted by the Holy Spirit about getting healthier just as yourself. I made some changes like smaller portion sizes, eating much more veggies, drinking more water, and no more sodas. Praise God, I lost 25 lbs in a few months. I have a chronic issue I deal with, however shedding some weight has helped me in that area also. I have a long way to go and being healthy is indeed a life long journey.
ReplyDeletePastor G. Daniels
Pastor George thank you for sharing part of your journey. I can't wait to hear where you are in another few months. I understand that each of us face our own unique issues and also understand how our nutrition needs are completely different according to these differences! God is an awesome creator and that diversity is something that makes His creation even that much more wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYouth, invincibility and ignorance. I remember those days... What was it, Taco Bell? Spar pole? Route 66? The old feed store diet. I don't believe you were near 321 at that time, but we were paving the road to early death with our lifestyles weren't we? I am glad to see where you are today, Happy and thriving. Be it God, family or friends it is important for something to jump up and slap us in the face. I agree with you 100% on this. With alcoholic tendencies in my family history I choose not to drink, period. As for food I keep it as organic and fresh as possible. Eating healthy is important, not consuming chemicals while eating healthy is my ultimate goal. This limits the amount of restaurant dining I get to indulge in. One suggestion I would give to you is make your own dressing at home. You control the ingredients, serving size and it will give you more control without sacrificing flavor. The benefits of virgin organic coconut oil for weight and heart health will blow your mind! Along with vinegar benefits, WHEW! I guess the bottom line is you do what you have to do for you and for your family. It is how I roll. Keep up the good work Ben.
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