Health

Happy Food?

Dr. Mike 2023 , , ,

Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. Romans 14:20

Food makes me happy. Yes, I have a food obsession.

I eat when hungry. I eat when stressed. I eat when lonely. I eat when bored. I eat when emotionally tanked. I eat when having a bad day. I eat to reward myself. I eat when the goal is accomplished. I eat when I fail to hit the target. When I eat, I am comforting myself for the short term. Yes, I am a food addict.

Been one most of my entire life.

Because of my addiction, I battle to maintain a working weight. The multitude of diets under my belt resemble a train chugging up and down hills. The sweat and energy left behind at the gym is always rewarded with an apple fritter or pound of chocolate. If it wasn’t for the focus and energy expended at work to solve problems and achieve goals, I would weigh three times more. Now retired from the corporate world, the battle continues. Yes, I am a food addict.

Of course, I understand the importance of nutrition. My body type requires a good balance of protein, fiber, and fat. But satisfaction only comes from refined carbs, sugar, and starches. Yes, I’ve tried everything under the sun not to surrender my desire for these. Why can’t I have my cake and ice cream? Why do potato chips and cupcakes taste so good? Why must I deny myself?

Why must I choose?

Yes, I know food is the nutritious fuel the body needs to properly operate. But what is wrong with having an occasional treat?

Nothing unless one is an addict.

God created food for our good. Food is needed to sustain the human body. The problem is not food, but me. There are deep, emotional strongholds buried in the darkish parts of my human psyche which need addressing. Been there most of my life. God knows. The question is do I now confront them or continue to ignore them?

This is not a salvation issue. But a quality of life issue. This is a personal issue between our Lord and myself. His grace is sufficient to carry me through until this race is over. But do I risk the cost of being overweight? The cost of excess fat around my bones? The hardening of the arteries? The numbing of the nervous system?  Why bother? Are we not all going to die once?

But we all know the value of a healthy life until then. To be full of energy. To have a fully functioning mind. To cherish each day without battling the pain and limitations caused by neglect. Why is it so hard to do what you know is best? Why must we battle between short-term pleasure versus long-term gain. Why sacrifice now for a better future that is not even guaranteed?

Yes, I am a food addict. I finally admitted today. They say admitting to the problem is the first step toward healing. We shall see.

For now the journey continues. Let’s see how the Holy Spirit restores these holes within my soul that need healing with His presence.  I’ve tried everything else known by mankind. But now I’m serious. I’m calling on my Creator and Lord to direct my steps, channel my focus, and cleanup my soul. I want to experience life the way HE designed the human body to fully function. Food addiction and all, the battle continues.

I share this with you because we all have deep seated strongholds. Whether its food, relationship, or something else. Now is the time to deal with it. Don’t wait until you are old and regret the price you didn’t pay earlier. I know many people who are retired and paying a deep price for the poor decisions they made earlier in life. Nip your problems when young. Better to sacrifice in your youth. Lay the good foundation. Your future will be much brighter. Your life more enriched. Ask God to direct your steps. He longs to join you on your adventurous quest to the promise land. Just always remember, HIS Grace is always available and enough.   

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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The Prosperous Soul

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms , , , , ,

3 John 1:2

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

prosporous soul1

The apostle John wrote to his local church with the reassurance God wants each one of his children to prosper not only spiritually, but also physically. The challenge though is more people emphasize the physical objectives of life and ignore the spiritual. They want the benefits of a healthy spiritual walk, but don’t want to invest the time and effort.

The prosperous life is so much more than physical comforts. You could gain the whole world, but be vastly poor in spirit. You could have beauty, power, and fame, but be empty, frustrated, and lonely. A disciple’s walk with his Teacher is life enriched with confidence, boldness, and humility. Her life radiates from an inner peace of contentment. The toys and material items that surround her are simply the means to fully experience the vast richness of God’s creation.

To be healthy is a blessing. But to be healthy for self-aggrandizement is pompous and vain. Health is a physical and mental condition. Both though are empowered by the soul. A soul that is rich in love, joy, patience, goodness, kindness, and self-control. The essence of God’s character is displayed through a soul that is in constant contact with Him.

A soul rich in spiritual blessings is the master of the physical comforts around them. The computer, television, smart phone, and automobile are simply tools being managed by the soul keeper. A rich soul is not addicted to the toys around him. Instead the rich soul effectively manages the comforts of life for a greater purpose.

A rich soul likewise treasures the body as a temple for His divine presence. Therefore, her attitude is to maintain and operate the body’s functions for the long haul. She will not glorify it but discipline it. She will praise its Creator and sustain it for His glory.

Whatever the enriched soul pursues, he does so with the intent to make it better than before. Whether mind, body, or soul, the desire is to magnify the creator. The enriched soul is not self-made. Instead, the prosperous soul knows Her Creator, regularly thanks him in gratitude, and humbly walks with those around him for their benefit and God’s purpose.

So, whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. Prosper in your health, in your bank account, and in your relationships. But always remember your priorities and your most important function today. God knows. So do you.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:

*  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
*  Great Business Emulates a Good God
*  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
*  Simply The Messenger
*  Unequally Married

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