Eating for the Glory of God [Part 1]

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Does the food we eat bring glory to God? This is something strange to many of us. We know that worship, prayer, word and good works glorify God, but how come what we eat bring glory to God?

The food we eat is certainly an issue that brings glory to God. Did not Paul write, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God?” (1Cor. 10:31) It is obvious from this Scripture that the food we eat can either bring glory to God or it can become an obstacle to God’s glory.

How does this happen?

The context wherein Paul discusses is about the food offered to idols. This was bought in the market or served in somebody’s house. And in the Corinthian church, some saw it as an abomination to eat while some viewed it as nothing more than normal.

So, Paul counsels the knowledgeable ones not to eat such food that becomes a stumbling block to the weak brothers in Christ. In this way, they glorify God.

Now the problem confronted by the Corinthian church about eating food sacrificed to idols may not be an issue in many cultures today. However, keeping the context in mind, we can generally apply the principle in other aspects too. The following are some ways, I believe, we can eat food for the glory of God.

1. Eat but do not fight over food. 

Food is a delightful thing to eat, but is it not grieving to the Spirit of God to see us fight for the sake of food?

The tendency to fight over food is not uncommon particularly at homes. How many get frustrated because the food which is prepared is something we dislike? How many grumble over the taste of food?

And how many lose their temper when the food is not prepared on time? How many couples get into arguments because of their differences in the methods of preparing food?

Further, when we attend weddings or parties or meetings, how is our conduct when it comes to food? What about reacting with an unchristian spirit towards stewards in restaurants because of food?

Does such reaction, whether at home or outside, bring glory to God?

Treasure these words, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17).

2. Eat but eat the right quality of food.

A Christian believes that his or her body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. For this reason, many of us resist smoking, drinking and drug use because it ruins the body. But don’t we understand that even the kind of food we eat either builds or destroys the health of our body?

We generally eat by choosing food based on how it evokes the taste buds of the tongue, not based on how it contributes to our health. We forget that we eat for living, not for tasting.

It is said that the intake of surplus fatty and oily food, deep fried items, sweets, salt, soft drinks and fast foods is considered to be hazardous to one’s health.

Yet, so many are enslaved by such unhealthy food habits for the sake of taste and ultimately ruin the healthy condition of their body, thereby visiting hospitals and desperately praying to God for healing.

Do you know, many folks are dying today because of unhealthy eating habits, just like those who die because of blatant addictions like smoking, boozing and drugs?

Take note of this—unhealthy eating habits do not bring glory to God, just like smoking, drinking and drug use. Eat the right kind of food, stay healthy and glorify God with your body.

Note: Here is a simple DIET proposed by World Health Organization [WHO].

3. Eat but eat the right quantity of food.

God had completely forbidden the evil things and had put limits to the use of good things. But to breach the limited use of any good thing is nothing but to do evil. And gluttony is a perfect example of such abuse.

Gluttony is defined as an overconsumption of food. It is one such habit which many people ignore as being sinful in the eyes of God.

Nevertheless, according to the Holy Scripture, gluttony is a sin, an idolization of food. It is also a sign of lack of self-control and is no better than drunkenness (Pro. 23:2; 20-21; 28:7).

What are the sad results of gluttony? It causes obesity and multiple health disorders, perhaps even accelerating laziness and lust.

Besides, eating the right quantity of food is not only a caution to those given to gluttony but even to those who eat too little. Eating too little is also dangerous to health. It causes anemia and extreme weight loss, decreases metabolism and produces numerous health problems.

Whether overeating or eating too little—both can damage the body. Remember that God has created our stomach with limited capacity to fill. So do not overfill it or let it starve. Eat the right quantity of food, keep yourself healthy and bring glory to God.

4. Eat but work.

What is the purpose of eating? It is to procure energy. What is the purpose of energy? It is to work.

God created man as a working being. Before the fall, God created all kinds of trees in the Garden of Eden and put man to work it and take care of it. (Gen. 2:15) In the Mosaic Law, He decreed that a man must work six days and take rest on the seventh day. (Exo. 20:9)

So God created food and the system of eating and digestion as a means to generate energy in the body to work.

Anyone who eats but does not work desecrates the sacred purpose of the existence of food. He is a slave to laziness and idleness. Such a person—whom neither the church nor the society respects—sins against the Lord and does not bring glory to His Name.

Of course, there are exceptions for not working due to physical disability (like paralysis), serious illness and dire unemployment in a country.

However, there is a general rule given in the Holy Scripture, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat" (2Thess. 3:10). Why this rule? Because a man eats to work and he who does not work should not eat.

Therefore, eat and labor, bringing glory to the Name of God.

5. Eat but do physical exercise.

According to World Health Organization, physical inactivity (lack of physical activity) has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality (6% of deaths globally). Moreover, physical inactivity is estimated to be the main cause for approximately 21–25% of breast and colon cancers, 27% of diabetes and approximately 30% of ischaemic heart disease burden.

Much of the work for many people, particularly in urban places, is not related to physical labor but to mental work. So though we work, because of lack of physical activity, excessive sitting and sedentary lifestyle, many are subjecting themselves to health hazards.

Considering health risks resulting from physical inactivity, there is a great emphasis these days on the necessity of physical exercise. Walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, tennis…etc are some of the recommended exercises for the body.

I am apprehensive about Yoga but gym with aerobics is a good thing to consider. I have seen tremendous rejuvenation in my body since my enrollment in a local gym.

We are aware that spiritual disciplines have eternal value, but the Holy Bible does not deny the aspect of physical training which is of some value (1Tim. 4:8).

Our body is a gift from God and healthy food plays a vital role in its nourishment and physical exercise in its building. Eat well, therefore, and do not neglect to take care of your body and give the exercise that it deserves and live mightily for the glory of God.

Note: We don't have to become health or fitness freaks or too legalistic about the food we eat, but we can moderately be concerned about the welfare of our body, which we believe to be God's temple and tool to live for His glory. And living in this way may not guarantee perfect health, but we can do our best by using God-given wisdom in disciplining our diet and body, and the rest we can trust in the Lord for His gracious protection. [Click here to go to Part 2 of this article...] |  1 of 2

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