ON CHRISTIANITY

— DEAR REV. GRAHAM: My husband and I made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight (which we both need to do), but are we just being vain because we want to look better? Or does the Bible also say something about this?

  • V.P.

DEAR V.P.: I’m thankful you want to do something about yourweight, because obesity is a serious issue today, much more than it was for previous generations, including those in Bible times. And it’s not just a matter of our appearance butof our health, which is defi nitely of concern to God.

The Bible reminds us of two important truths in this area. The fi rst is that God gave our bodies to us, and we aren’t to misuse or abuse them, because when we know Christ they actually belong to Him. God wants us to bring honor to Him with our bodies, and one way we do this is by taking care of them. The Bible says, “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

The Bible also reminds us that overeating (or what the Bible calls “gluttony”) is a sin in God’s eyes. It harms our bodies, and it also harms our spirits, because food becomes more important than it should, and can even make us insensitive to the needs of others. The Bible says, “A companion of gluttons disgraces his father” (Proverbs 28:7).

Ask God to help you get the exercise you need, and to eat in a healthy way. Most of all, however, take steps to focus on something that’s even more important than your physical health, and that is your spiritual health. Take time to feed your soul every day with a steady “diet” of scripture, prayer and Christian fellowship.

Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at billygraham.org

Food, Pages 30 on 01/23/2013

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