Christ, Cigarettes and Junk Food (11.18.08)
I visited a seminary in Texas when I was deciding where to train for the ministry. The guide took me to the chapel and in the foyer pointed out a curiosity. On the wall was an old, life-sized painting of the seminary’s first president. Originally, he was painted holding a great big cigar in his hand. But a few years ago they had “edited” the cigar out of the painting. Several interesting points could be illustrated by this painting. For instance, we like to cover up the ugly parts of our past. And sometimes leaders hide their weaknesses and sin. But this painting also illustrates our culture’s changing attitude toward smoking. Smoking used to be generally accepted. Now, the cultural police think the greatest evils in life are smoking and junk food. But I don’t think Jesus would agree. To be sure, Jesus wants us to take care of our bodies. “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… therefore honor God with your body” (I Cor. 6:19-20). Jesus wants us to avoid gluttony (Prov. 25:16). Jesus wants you to quit smoking. But even more he wants me to quit being inflexible and prideful. I don’t think a Christian who smokes is near as disgusting to God as a Christian who gossips or slanders a fellow believer. What is the attitude of Christians toward smoking and junk food? I know it’s not Christians leading the charge against smoking. I, for one, think smoking is disgusting and I’d appreciate it if you, when you’re with me, would refrain from smoking. And my wife and I are trying to teach our kids good eating habits. But I’m not going to join the crusade against smoking and junk food. When I lived in Texas, the city of Dallas passed a law banning smoking in all restaurants and bars. If I had had a vote on that bill, I would have voted against banning smoking. And the State of Michigan is also considering banning smoking. I’ll be opposed to that bill too.
Why?
If you think that smoking is disgusting, then why would you vote against the banning of smoking in a restaurant? I don't understand.
Don't get me wrong, I think that smoking is a nasty habit too. However, I can handle being around it because I grew up around it. Both of my parents smoked, and a big portions of my friends do as well. I, because I think its gross, try to avoid being in the direct flow of the smoke. But I make them stop smoking if they don't want to.
But despite all of that, I wouldn't vote against the banning of smoking in a restaurant. Nobody wants to taste cigarette smoke when they are eating a nice, juicy steak. That to me is a big gag factor.
On another note;I agree that the fact that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and we have to honor our body. But I'm not going to change for anybody. I'm going to die eventually anyways, so why can't I eat what I want to?
I do understand that we have to be healthy about it though, and I am. I am definitely not one of the people in the now times that think that junk food is a 'great evil' so to speak.
I'll vote with my fork.
Thanks for your comments. If we're all going to die anyways, why not just eat whatever we want? Why not smoke? Why not jump off tall buildings for fun? Because that's not being a good steward of our bodies. Because our bodies are God's. Because our bodies are created in God's image, works of art that reflect His character. So be healthy. But a little chocolate every now and then won't hurt you. (It might even be good for you!)
And why would I vote against a ban on smoking? Mostly because I believe in smaller government and individual responsibility. I believe that if a restaurant wants to allow smoking, that's their call. And I'll make my choice and not go to that restaurant. But if a restaurant wants to prohibit smoking, I'll support that with my fork.
Indeed...
You're more than welcome.
As I recall, I said that just because I eat what I want, doesn't mean that I'm not healthy. I'll give you an example, before; when I'd go to a fast food restaurant I'd eat a ton. At Wendy's for instance, I could eat two jr. bacon cheese burgers, a five pc. nugget with bbq sauce, a small fry and a small soda. To anyone that's a lot of food. But to me that would just barely put me at the full line. But now I can't do that. I will only eat the nuggets and the fries.
Another example is at Thanksgiving or Christmas, I would always, always have two helpings, sometimes three. But now I can only have one.
Sure I don't exercise like I should but, I don't eat as much as I used to, so I figure I'm good in that department.
I feel that what I really need to work on is reading my Bible everyday, pray for those who need it and for those who don't and attend Church. I also try to spread the word to no-believers. Everyone knows that I have friends all over the world, most of them are non-Christian's but I still talk to them anyways. I tell them how my days are, and then if I can, I talk a little bit about God. Sometimes it gets me into a very strong debate. But, that's ok, because to me that's what is doing my body good.
Now, I doubt that you'll agree with that, but that's just my opinion.
I don't totally disagree...
I don't totally disagree... I agree that reading your Bible and sharing the gospel is way more important than what we eat. I'm just saying that Christians need to be good stewards of their bodies. It's good that you're eating more balanced. I guess it just depends on how much fast food you eat. But, just like you said, don't get so focused on food and exercise that those things take priority over what's more important.