Obesity

As I was running on the treadmill this morning I was watching CNN.  The one bit of news that caught my attention this morning was the obesity rates in the U.S.  According to the report this morning, 39% of women are considered obese and 36% of men are obese.  You can click here to read the article.

Honestly, I think it's sad that so many people are obese.  I would be interested in learning the percentages of Christians who are obese.  I'm not sure how politically correct of a survey that would be, but it would be interesting to see the numbers.  Why?  In my personal opinion, I believe it displeases God to see His people overweight and unhealthy.

Does that mean all believers need to be fit and trim athletes?  Not at all.  But I do think we need to keep in mind a few things.

First, these bodies are not our own.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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 bodies.-1 Corinthians 6:19-20


I think it honors God when we take care of our bodies.  Taking care of ourselves also ensures that we will have the physical capability to do whatever it is He has called us to do.  If you are a believer, then you better believe that God requires you to serve Him in some way.  (And if you're not currently serving in some capacity then I encourage you to ask yourself why.)  If you're obese or even overweight, simple things can take so much more effort that it's usually easier to not do anything at all.

Second, I think there's an issue of financial responsibility.

Why spend money on what is not bread, 
   and your labor on what does not satisfy? 
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, 
   and you will delight in the richest of fare.-Isaiah 55:2


This particular verse is talking more about spending money on things that don't last and I think food falls into that category.  I would venture to guess that most obese people have an underlying issue that causes them to overeat.  They are looking to fill a void.  So they eat and spend money on food and it never satisfies.  So there are really two issues here.  Jesus is the only one that can offer true satisfaction and He desires us to be responsible with the resources He has given us.  We are told to be cheerful givers (2 Cor. 9:7) and to take care of widows and orphans (James 1:27).

I hope I haven't offended or upset anyone by this post.  More than anything I am saddened by the way in which Americans tend to neglect their health.  And I am also saddened that this is an issue that many Christians tend to overlook, especially American Christians. That doesn't mean we can't enjoy cake or a soda every now and then.  It doesn't mean we all have to run marathons.  But I do think we have the responsibility to take care of ourselves and we should each ask ourselves what that means for us personally.


So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.-1 Corinthians 10:31