Thursday's Lesson - Diet Today

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Rom. 14:17). How are we to understand this text in the context of the whole question of diet and health? What are some of the extremes that we need to avoid?

In order to fully understand the bearing this passage has on the topic of diet and health we must look at it's context. This entire chapter is about how do we relate to an individual who has a differing opinion than us in regards to diet.

During Paul's day they offered foods to idols and sold them in the market place. Because of this some individuals opted to only eat vegetables. Judgment and contempt arose between some because of what they allowed.

The scriptures says this

15For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. (Rom 14:15)

While it is good to have a healthy diet , we should not let this become our entire religion. We should not become so focused on our health to the point of excluding practical godliness manifested in the way we treat each other.

Our health is a precious gift. Diet plays an important role in health. How wise, then, for us to seek to do the best we can in what we eat. How important for us to exercise self-discipline and self-control when tempted to eat what we know is not good for us. God gave these truths to us for our benefit. When we ignore them, we hurt ourselves and, as so often is the case, others are made to suffer, as well.

Prayer: Father thank you for the precious gift of health. Help us to put health in its proper perspective. Help us where we are weak, to be strong. Thank you Father, In Jesus name Amen.