“Please God, help me and my family to stay healthy.”
One of the number one things that people pray for is health. They pray for somebody that is sick to get better. I do it too.
But aren’t we ultimately responsible for our own health and longevity? If we make ourselves sick (smoking, eating too many fattening foods, drinking too much alcohol), is it right to pray to God to make us all better and fix the damage that we did to ourselves?
I know I’m on a touchy subject here, but I couldn’t help but think about this when I was at church yesterday. In my church, they have a little coffee stand where people can get coffee and snacks before the service. I was getting some coffee when I noticed all of the cookies, candies, and snacks that they were selling. Some cell phone pics:
Candy trail mix and cookies (full of sugar and saturated fat)
Gummy worms and chocolate covered coffee beans (full of sugar and saturated fat)
Free muffins (full of saturated fat and sugar)
There were no healthy food choices.
I’ve been going to church all of my life, and I can’t remember a church that was focused on healthy eating and exercise. In fact, almost all of them focused on fattening foods during get togethers.
So, is it right to ask God to keep us healthy as we chow down on sugar and saturated fat at the same time?
On that note, why do we consider it a nice thing to bring cookies or cakes to a new neighbor? Would we bring them and their kids a pack of cigarettes? Or a small dose of poison?
Trust me, I’m nowhere near perfect with my diet. I wish I could tell you that all I eat is tofu and raw vegetables. I do try my best to avoid the bad stuff though. I think about this even more now that I have children that I have to care for.
What about your church?
October 27, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Ha, yeah my church has mini donut holes and stale coffee! I was thinking of mixing a lean casein whey tub and dropping it at the stand before service just the other day! It is nice to hear people speak of their faith so openly-us Christian exercisers should band together and use our faith to reach new people.
On another note, I will be submitting my transformation to you guys soon at the end of the next three weeks of cutting. I think I have a good shot at taking the title for the week or month! Happy with where I am but know in three weeks it will be even better.
October 27, 2008 at 2:02 pm
The bible says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and that it is our responsibility to take care of them. My church has a coffee bar no doubt, but I do not see a lot of junk food for sale….in fact I DONT EVER! Need to find you a new church I guess. This made me think of people who donate caned food for charities or churches. Most of the time people give away the healthy stuff, green beans, corn, etc….but then they keep all the crap food in there pantry, cookies, chips, crackers, etc….We have the choice to give healthy or crappie foods just like we have the choice to consume healthy and crappy foods? People give away what sells if that makes sense? foods? People give away what sells if that makes sense?
October 27, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Yeah, you see this a lot. I work in a small office with about 30 people and every Friday is donut day. People bring in donuts, muffins, cookies, cakes, etc to eat and most people here go back for more and more throughout the day! I signed up to bring in food one day and I’m sure as heck not going to bring in donuts! I’m calling it power bar day which is a little humorous considering my last name is in fact Power.
November 5, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Very true! My church has donuts and coffee before and after each service. Now I know why I’m not making any progress!! Darn it!
Here is a good scripture in 1 Corinthians 6:15 "Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ?"
This is a good reminder for me to eat what edifies my body and spirit and not my worldly appetite.
November 30, 2008 at 11:45 am
I’m not a church goer but I see your point. I am a nurse and fellow nurses always bring treats to work. We re suppose to live healthy by example but 90% of nurses I work with are overweight. The constant treats make it difficult for them and myself. I know they are being generous but they are not doing anybody any favors.
December 10, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I have the same issue at work!
What I’ve done to rectify the situation, is to occasionally bring in healthy snacks for the office. I’ll typically go to the grocery store and get a fresh veggie tray or sometimes a fruit platter if I feel like sharing something sweet (although the veggies are better). My coworkers love it every time I do this because they are all stuck in the same battle.
Sometimes the best way to combat poor eating habits is to set your own example.