CONSUMPTION CORRUPTION

The phrase, “You are what you eat” is a pretty familiar one. But, how many of us have stopped to ponder what that actually means? If we stopped eating, we would wither away and eventually die. By eating, we are literally replacing bit for bit (or pound for pound) the actual mass that makes up our bodies with physical food, even on a cellular level. Many health issues arise from unhealthy eating patterns. For those of us that live in the West, eating healthy can be an especially hard challenge with all the highly processed food readily available. But, we should give special concern to our bodies. He asks,

"Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you" (1 Corinthians 6:19)

We are remiss however, if we do not consider our bodies as a whole. Perhaps, the phrase should read, "We are what we consume". If then, what we eat influences the health of our bodies, then what we consume otherwise influences our less tangible parts, i.e. our mind, will and emotions. Our "eating" then also includes what we watch, listen to, read, the places we go and the atmospheres we surround ourselves with.

All these contribute to our thought patterns, mind-sets, feelings, how we interact, and even memories. If we are not careful, we may even let them define who we are. God's word tells us that the things that we consume can affect our bodies.

"Pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body." (Proverbs 4:20-22)

His words, are health unto the whole body. We can then conclude that there are things that do not bring life to the body, but instead darkness and death.

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness." (Matthew 6:22-23)

What we take in is important, it is why He gives us instructions to

"Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you. Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you. Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright. Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil." (Proverbs 4:23-27, AMP)

There are indeed many more passages of scripture that address the hearing of the ears, the seeing of the eyes, and the walking and ordering of our steps, Proverbs 2:1-5, Psalm 19:8, 1 John 2:16, Ephesians 4:1, and Ephesians 5:2 to name a few.

We should thus give care to all that we consume, lest it cause consumption corruption in our lives. Instead, let's turn our gaze,

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2),

Who is faithful and true (Revelation 19:11). Then, when we meet with Him in prayer, read and hear His word, walk out His ways, and seek His wisdom,

"The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7, brackets mine)

*All quotes are taken from NIV unless otherwise noted.

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