Three “Dieting” Red Flags
“When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful (NLT) Proverbs 29:18. In layman’s terms, without the wisdom of how to enjoy food based on God’s word, we are prone to make up our own way. I’m not saying it’s a sin, but crash diets don’t align with God’s way. God is patient, intentional, and is more concerned with our development and disciple than gratifying our desires. If we take time to reflect, sometimes we want to lose weight for the wrong reasons. For some it may be to rooted in comparison, envy, or pride. Whatever it may be, pray and ask the Lord to reveal and give you wisdom on how to address the root of your desires. Despite the number on the scale, “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”.
1) COMPARISON - Give yourself grace to be you, your journey is not their journey. Even if you have achieved YOUR goals, you are not suddenly the new “standard of measurement”.
“Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!”
[2 Corinthians 10:12 NLT]
2 ) PRIDE/VANITY - not eating enough to stay slim, working out to look good
“And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”
[James 4:3 NLT]
3) GLUTTONY - eating without thought or intention other than to satisfy the flesh
Solomon also gave practical advice on moderation in the food we eat. “My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste” [Proverbs 24:13] He goes on to say, “It is not good to eat too much honey.” [Proverbs 25:27] Sugar is taste GOOD! However, all good things must be enjoyed in moderation in accordance to our health and personal convictions.
“Be careful to curb your appetite and catch yourself before you fall into the trap of wanting all you see.” [Proverbs 23:2 TPT]
”Don’t live in the excesses of drunkenness or gluttony, or waste your life away by partying all the time, because drunkards and gluttons sleep their lives away and end up broke!” [Proverbs 23:20-21 TPT]
