“Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship
With My Food”
Exercise temperance or self-control
over my appetite.
The gratification of appetite has been the ruin of man and nations. (1 Cor 9:24-27) Examples include Adam and Eve, the antediluvians and Esau.
When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. (Proverbs 23:1-2)
As a people, with all our profession of health reform, the indulgence of appetite is the greatest cause of mental and physical debility and lies at the foundation of a large share of the feebleness which is apparent everywhere. (Counsels on Diet and Foods, page 135)
The controlling power of appetite will prove the ruin of thousands, when, if they had conquered on this point, they would have had moral power to gain victory over every other temptation of Satan… And as we near the close of time, Satan’s temptation to indulge appetite will be more powerful and more difficult to overcome (Counsels on Diet and Foods, page 59)
Note: Daniel and his three friends and Jesus demonstrate that we can control appetite (Daniel 1:8; Matt 4:1-4)
My relationship with God, self and others
influence my relationship with food.
Certain factors influence my choice of
food and drink.
I am the well or ill base of my food choices.
Eat a plant-based diet. God’s original diet
Eat and drink to bring glory to God.
Feed the hungry
God promises to give me the power to make
healthy choices daily.
Application :
- Can you think of some Biblical and non-biblical characters who had a healthy or unhealthy relationship with food?
- Would you say that you have a healthy relationship with your food and drinks? If yes what is the evidence?
- What steps can I take exercise control over your appetite?