Humans are tempted to sway to extremes. We are like pendulums, tending to sway to one side or the other. In contrast, God is a firm foundation. Christians must find their ballast in God’s word. A simply example may prove my point– consider the balance of Scripture on the topic of our bodies.
The body is not unimportant. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
Yet, the body is not everything. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord… We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 5:6-7. Our bodies are wasting away. We should hope in Christ and look forward to eternal life.
Because the body matters, how we eat matters. Scripture is practical for all of life. Consider how you eat!
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – 1 Corininthians 10:31
Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, not about your body, what you will put on. – Matthew 6:25
There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. – Ecclesiastes 2:24
(We need to read the verses in their full and larger context, but I believe the following can be deduced.) When we eat, we should praise God for his provisions, giving him glory and realizing that he is faithful. We can enjoy what he has given us and eat without guilt. But we shouldn’t take this as a mandate to indulge and neglect our bodies.
