I think often of a friend who passed away a few years ago. We leaned on each other about losing weight and eating better. He told me one day with a serious look that he loved food. I said, “Jim, I do too.” He replied, “No, you don’t understand. I really love food.” My response was, “Yeah, me too. I didn’t get this way by not loving food.” He looked at me and reiterated, “You don’t get it. I love food! I lie in bed at night and think about what I’m going to eat tomorrow.” All I could say was, “Well, I guess you really love food.”
I took notice after that day. Some people eat to live while others live to eat. God gave us food to sustain the body, but I also believe He created it so that it could be enjoyed.
Christians, we are told to digest God’s word and digesting is part of the eating process. We are to feast on God’s word, digest it and allow it to nourish our spirit. If we are to stay healthy and strengthened, we must eat. That is true physically and it’s just as true spiritually. The problem is when things are good we don’t display our need for God. It’s true! Sadly, most Christians only spend time with God when times are bad.
When times are good we don’t want to read God’s word or spend time in prayer with Him. It’s just like the man who just finished a feast and then offered a slice of pecan pie. He replies,”I’m stuffed and couldn’t eat another bite.” On the other hand, the man who hasn’t eaten in days would eat a greasy pork sandwich served in a dirty ash tray. (Proverbs 27:7) One of the men has no need for more food, while the other man would be happy to just place something in his stomach. We need to learn to eat to live, not live to eat.
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