Are You Obsessed with What You Eat?
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
A National Obsession
Have you noticed how obsessed Americans are with food? We’re absorbed with what we eat, how much we eat, when, and how we eat. Just observe the advertisements on billboards, TV, the internet, and the junk mail flyers that fill our mailboxes!
The variety of brands and types of food available in our stores, including the stores at gas stations, is unmatched anywhere in the world. I’ve traveled to many countries and talked with other travelers and it’s obvious that America is the consumer capital of the world.
Many years ago, I traveled back to the US with two Filipino pastors whom I’m close to. We went to a local bagel shop for breakfast. There were no other customers when we arrived, but within five minutes of trying to decide, a line of impatient customers formed behind us.
The myriad of choices and possibilities overwhelmed my pastor friends. As I encouraged them to make their order, knowing the impatience of the other customers, they turned to me and said, “Why don’t you just order for us?”
Some years later, when I faced a health crisis, I developed a much stricter diet than in previous years. I still prefer to eat healthier foods, especially avoiding processed foods and excessive sugar. So, I relate to the focus that many have on healthy eating.
But our preoccupation with food fills a broad spectrum of concerns—health, cost, quantity, quality, variety, and availability are some of those concerns. But many people in the world are concerned with having something to eat for themselves and their families each day.
I understand these concerns. I lived in a nation where nearly half the population struggles at a subsistence level of poverty—a day-to-day concern for survival. An obsession with finding enough food to live each day makes sense. But Americans’ obsession with food is so foreign to that.
The Book of Proverbs has a lot to say about many things in life. It offers wisdom and caution on diverse topics. These few selected verses focus on eating and can serve as a caution to us about obsessing over what to eat.
Scripture
When you sit down to eat with a ruler, pay close attention to what is in front of you,
and put a knife to your throat if you have a big appetite.
Do not crave his delicacies, because this is food that deceives you.
Do not eat the food of one who is stingy,
and do not crave his delicacies. (Proverbs 23:1-3, 6 GW)
(Context—Proverbs 23:1-11)
Simple insights
These verses speak to a concern for who we’re eating with and who’s paying for it. They become practical concerns when eating out for business, or in my case, related to ministry work. This could also apply when eating at someone’s home or with a community-style meal like a block party, potluck, or progressive dinner.
I’ve eaten in many homes and a lot of restaurants over the years, and my wife and I hosted many people for meals in our home. Here’s an observation—people notice what you order and what you do or don’t eat. It’s human nature to do so, and it reveals something about us.
The first admonition refers to eating at a ruler’s table—it says, “… put a knife to your throat if you have a big appetite.” Most of us don’t have rulers to be concerned with, so think of this as someone picking paying for a meal. This could apply to a meal with a boss, a friend, or your in-laws.
The simple principle here is—don’t be greedy nor be a glutton. On one hand, it’s a matter of consideration for others. But it also reveals something about us to others. When someone else is paying, I don’t go for the most expensive item on the menu. That’s just being greedy. So, show some self-restraint and don’t take advantage of people’s generosity. They’re more likely to invite you again.
The second admonition requires us to consider who’s paying, but for a different reason. I’ve eaten with stingy people and know how uncomfortable it is. This requires sizing up people before just digging into the food. Consider who you’re eating with and what they value. Another Bible version gives some insight into why we are not to “crave his delicacies”—
“Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. (Prov 23:7 NKJV)
Again, with potlucks or other community-style meals, be considerate of those who eat last. As a pastor, my family and I would wait to eat last at church potlucks and often wished Jesus was there to multiply the food. Sadly, my children came to dread potlucks.
Interestingly, each meal setting includes the admonition not to crave their delicacies. This speaks to the need to be content. Don’t be envious nor greedy, or gluttonous. And don’t worry about what you’re going to eat—as Jesus reminds us—stop worrying about what you will eat (Matt 6:25 GW).
Perhaps, if we all learned to be more content with what we already have—what God blesses us with—we’d be a lot less obsessive about food. We’d also be the type of people others like to have at their tables when they share a meal.
Reflection—
When we are content with what we have—with what God provides—it frees us from envy, worry, and even gluttony or any other obsession with food. Regardless of what’s on the table, we’ll be free to engage with and enjoy the company around the table.
Prayer Focus—
If you are concerned about what you eat—whether it’s worry or an obsession—ask the Lord to help you be thankful and content. Ask the Lord to help you be considerate and thoughtful towards those whom you join at the table for any meal.
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