EATING YOUR WAY TO HAPPINESS
You have read the articles pointing out the rise in obesity among the clergy. You recognize the tendency to think “ain’t it awful” about those other grossly overweight clergy. You may have excused yourself as a naturally large person or even thought to yourself “someday I should really focus on reducing my weight.” I would suggest that the issue of healthy eating is not separate from your practice of ministry but can be an integral part of your ministry.
FIVE UNCOMFORTABLE QUESTIONS
- Is it possible that you would improve your chance for longevity if you intentionally lost some weight and kept it off?
- Is it possible that your poor eating habits and weight gain do reflect some unresolved emotional issues in your life?
- Is it possible that keeping yourself in a strong healthy state has some spiritual implications?
- Are there some spiritual truths imbedded in the many places in Scripture where food becomes part of the conversation?
- Are there ways that eating properly can be a spiritual witness that can touch others?
Or, to summarize, can you as a pastor pay attention to what you eat as part of your message of salvation to your congregation and to your colleagues?
THE TRUTH IS
Dan Buettner, in his book Blue Zones Solution, reports on his study of groups of people around the world who tend to live longer than others. One of his conclusions, which is supported by many other studies as well as common sense, is that what we eat significantly affects how long we will live. Buettner reports that the world’s most robust 100 year-olds stick with diets that are 95% plant-based. The University of Southern California’s Longevity Institute reports studies that show that people with the highest protein intake have the highest risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Protein from animals activates two sets of genes that accelerate ageing. Most of us vaguely know that but indulge ourselves in foods that cumulatively threaten our health
If we were counseling someone else, we could point out all the forms of denial and rationalizations that are used. Perhaps a major one is that most of us live in denial of our death. It is not only teenagers but many of us who live as if we were immortal. Yet, as Christians, we have a faith that invites us to be good stewards of what God has given us, including our bodies. Let me suggest that the health crisis among the clergy does raise some significant spiritual issues.
Wisdom suggests that we don’t confront big issues by seeking one big solution. Nor do we make much progress by guilt. Rather, we begin where we are and take small steps that are easily within our control. Success builds on success and encourages us to continue in a positive direction.
In the next blog, I will suggest some small steps that you can take
Good Advice! I look forward to seeing this. Since my stroke in 2011, my active life limits me to my bed and a wheelchair. So, I gained weight I don’t want and have lost about 15 lbs. and need to lose more. Altho’ you’re writing for pastors, it’s just what I need to encourage me. Please expand your service to lay elders like me.
Good advice. However remember that you are NOT A LAY ELDER. You are ordained just like I am. And because I know your history, you have also offered a great deal of ministry. Now you are exploring how to Sabbath more (rest in the Lord) and make your testimony to others that God’s love pours out of people even when their bodies are not in top shape. I can learn from you as you make this witness.
Steve, this is an excellent post. I particularly resonated with your comments: “Wisdom suggests that we don’t confront big issues by seeking one big solution. Nor … by guilt. Rather, … take small steps …. Success builds on success and encourages us to continue in a positive direction.” This issue is a part of my current physical/spiritual journey. Thank you for your challenges and encouragement.