FoodTalk With Kotter and Trimark, Day 6

Under the umbrella of discontent, you identify two biblical categories of sinful eating. One is idolatry, which we discussed yesterday, and the other is foolishness. What does foolish eating look like and how can we avoid it?

Unfortunately, some Christians believe they are eating for God’s glory, but are foolishly unaware that they are overeating.  In the Bible, foolishness is more than immaturity associated with youth.  Biblical foolishness is morally wrong, just as the fool says in his heart, “There is no God,” (Psalm 14:1).  In contrast, the sanctification of believers can be considered as a journey from foolishness to wisdom in all areas of life, including eating. One of our obligations as Christians is to have a biblically correct understanding of what we are eating so that we increasingly can make wise choices.

In addition, our wisdom must be informed by medically correct information.  This does not mean we should be tossed about by every sensational diet headline or be slaves to a method of categorizing and counting every calorie we consume.  Rather we should be familiar with the best medical evidence that is increasingly available.  Understanding a few key principles is one of the responsibilities that we inherit along with the incredible abundance of food that we now enjoy.

You talk about the concept of a “sanctified weight.” What do you mean?

Eat and Be Content will claim that a specific sanctified weight is given by God to every believer just like eye color or height.  This is the weight that would result over time if a believer were to turn from sinful eating and make wise food and exercise choices.  This weight can be medically estimated to within a few pounds based on gender, height, frame size and activity level.  A specific amount of energy is required to maintain this sanctified weight, and this defines for each individual how much food is “just enough” (Proverbs 25:16).  In our book we are able to give a more complete explanation of how to define what is eating "just enough" for the glory of God.  We also provide believers with scientific but sensible ways to utilize these measures in daily life.

Idolatrous eating or gluttony can be defined as regularly and knowingly eating more food than is required to maintain this sanctified weight.  Unknowingly eating beyond this requirement is defined as foolishness.  Both are morally wrong and over time make believers overweight.  Turning from these sins cannot be accomplished through sheer dint of will, embarking on the latest diet plan or following the latest eating guru.  Fundamental changes in eating can only flow from the power of the gospel.

Please join us tomorrow for some practical advice from Dr. Trimark on how to maintain a “sanctified weight.”