1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (NIV)

I've heard that in Alcoholic Anonymous meetings, attendees must stand up, say their names, and state that they are alcoholics. I need to start a Chocolates Anonymous or a Carbohydrates Anonymous where I would stand up and say, "My name is Sharon and I'm a Carb/Chocolate Addict!" I love both: a perfect day of eating for me would be donuts or pastry for breakfast, pasta/hamburger/fries/pizza for lunch, and a brownie, chocolate cake, or Rocky Road ice cream for dinner.

I don't eat that way every day, but it's tempting. It seems that carbs are the only thing that fills me up. I've investigated many diet plans and even tried a few of them, but I'm always hungry, and the diet fails. Well, honestly — I fail at using the diet.

In their writing, both Solomon and Paul include cautions against gluttony. There are frequent admonitions in the Bible about caring for our bodies as holy temples. I have numerous notes, especially in the New Testament, where I've written "diet!" next to a Scripture.

Galatians 5:16 – So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (NIV)

This Scripture advises us to put everything in our lives, including our diet, under the control of the Holy Spirit. If I would commit my day to Him each morning, and then each minute throughout the day when I'm tempted to eat in an unhealthy way, I could control my appetite. That's a decision that I need to make day by day, sometimes minute by minute. Anybody with me on that one?

Prayer: Father, help all of us to submit our bodies to You, not only for our appetites and diet, but for any action that we take. Thank You, Father, for helping us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Sharon Cook <craftercook@gmail.com>
Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
Send your feedback to the author