That is NOT what "Your body is a Temple" means!

[Havensdad]

O.K., let me give you some background, so you don't think I am trying to justify myself. I work out every day. I lift weights, run/walk (am up to 2 miles), etc. I am 215 pounds, 6 feet tall, and have a 33 inch waist. All that to say, I am NOT overweight.

Also: I eat relatively healthy. I like vegetables. I like fruit, and orange juice, and even things like spinach and cabbage.

But: I am SICK of people using various verses, completely out of context, to try to prove that the Bible mandates physical fitness. It doesn't. There is absolutely nothing in the Bible that says anything about being overweight, or not exercising, is sinful. Its not.

And it makes me SICK when people try to equate not staying in shape, to adultery, drug use, overindulgence in alcohol, etc. Those things are sinful. Being overweight, and not exercising, is not.

Now, some try to say "But your Body is a 'temple'!" Listen to me; That verse has NOTHING to do with exercising or "eating right." It is talking about not using your body for things the Bible says is sinful; do not use it for adultery, or lying, or killing, or stealing. It is not telling you to start an exercise plan!

What food does the Bible say is the best parts? Why, the FAT portions; the fattiest, greasiest, most unhealthy parts of the animals, are considered blessings in scripture, not "sinful."

The Bible is not about physical exercise; NOTHING about it. It is about saving souls. Staying in shape is spiritually neutral. It is like stamp collecting, or building model cars. It is fine if you do, and fine if you don't.

 

[Amy.G]

Thanks for posting that. That is one of my pet peeves. I have always understood it they way you explained, but most people don't.

 

[saturneptune]

You have some very good points. I agree that our body as a temple is in relation to sin, and not some type of exercise program. On the other hand, Scripture does talk about gluttony, and it is not neutral.

The consequences of not taking care of your body are physical, not spiritual. I learned the hard way by not starting an exercise program and good eating habits until I had the six way heart bypass. I guess at this point in my life, I am very thankful to the Lord for giving me more life, and feel it is my responsibility to take care of myself much better than I have in the past. Dont get me wrong, it has nothing to do with our body being a temple, it is just good common sense.

Lack of exercise is not a sin, but gluttony is. They in essence have the same result on the body. Another sin that seems to be ignored is gossip, especially in the remote corners of a church. To me, gossip is right up there with some of the sins you listed.

Anyway, I walk everyday and eat right to keep living, not to obey a command of the Lord. God has given me more time, and actually, feel it is to tell others about the Gospel. I do small things now like go on visitation, but do plan on going on a mission trip this summer.

Oh I forgot, I do collect stamps and I have almost gotten back into a 36 waist. You must be in good shape.

I guess my only question to you is do you think gluttony is a sin? This is going to be an excellent thread.

 

[mets65]

I'm not saying it's a sin, I'm simply saying it isn't wise. Not recycling isn't a sin but I certainly think it's a wise thing to do and I wish more people did it. I think the Lord wants us to take care of ourselves and our resources and what he has given us. When someone gives you something you tend to want to take care of it, what makes what God has given us any different?

 

[Havensdad]

You have some very good points. I agree that our body as a temple is in relation to sin, and not some type of exercise program. On the other hand, Scripture does talk about gluttony, and it is not neutral.

The consequences of not taking care of your body are physical, not spiritual. I learned the hard way by not starting an exercise program and good eating habits until I had the six way heart bypass. I guess at this point in my life, I am very thankful to the Lord for giving me more life, and feel it is my responsibility to take care of myself much better than I have in the past. Dont get me wrong, it has nothing to do with our body being a temple, it is just good common sense.

Lack of exercise is not a sin, but gluttony is. They in essence have the same result on the body. Another sin that seems to be ignored is gossip, especially in the remote corners of a church. To me, gossip is right up there with some of the sins you listed.

Anyway, I walk everyday and eat right to keep living, not to obey a command of the Lord. God has given me more time, and actually, feel it is to tell others about the Gospel. I do small things now like go on visitation, but do plan on going on a mission trip this summer.

I guess my only question to you is do you think gluttony is a sin? This is going to be an excellent thread.

Gluttony is a sin. But what is gluttony? In Rome, men who were rich would have feast where they would eat until full, then go out and induce vomiting, only to come back and stuff themselves again. Gluttony involves waste: stuffing yourself at Red Lobster is not gluttony.

NOR is eating at McDonalds every single day of your life. If you eat Mcdonalds for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, it is neither gluttony, nor sinful. Some might say it is actually good stewardship, since it is a LOT cheaper than "healthy" food!

 

[Havensdad]

I'm not saying it's a sin, I'm simply saying it isn't wise. Not recycling isn't a sin but I certainly think it's a wise thing to do and I wish more people did it. I think the Lord wants us to take care of ourselves and our resources and what he has given us. When someone gives you something you tend to want to take care of it, what makes what God has given us any different?

It is not a matter for the Church. There are literally BILLIONS of "Good causes" out there. Our cause is the Gospel.

What do you call "taking care of" our body? Scripture is clear that it is God that provides the food. If I eat a Big Mac, I eat it because God has provided it.

Also, recent studies have shown that WHAT you eat, has little to do with your health. One study had a man eat nothing but high fat foods, twinkies, brownies, etc., for an extended period of time. He ate the suggested daily calorie intake, but ate the most unhealthy foods possible. His cholesterol went down, his blood pressure went down, he lost weight, and the his "good fat" levels increased.

If a person eats off the Mcdonalds dollar menu every day, instead of buying expensive health food, and takes that money and uses it to spread the gospel, He is actually being a better steward of his money.

 

[saturneptune]

Gluttony is a sin. But what is gluttony? In Rome, men who were rich would have feast where they would eat until full, then go out and induce vomiting, only to come back and stuff themselves again. Gluttony involves waste: stuffing yourself at Red Lobster is not gluttony.

NOR is eating at McDonalds every single day of your life. If you eat Mcdonalds for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, it is neither gluttony, nor sinful. Some might say it is actually good stewardship, since it is a LOT cheaper than "healthy" food!

Thanks for your response. In Proverbs, and I do not know exactly where, it talks about a person who was so stuffed and lazy that they could not bring themselves to lift a utinsil to eat.

Red Lobster is a great restaurant, as I love seafood. All I am saying is that in my case, I must watch what I do. Heredity has lots to do with this also. I do agree with your point, eating in a normal matter is not a sin, but a health issue in some cases.

 

[mets65]

It is not a matter for the Church. There are literally BILLIONS of "Good causes" out there. Our cause is the Gospel.

What do you call "taking care of" our body? Scripture is clear that it is God that provides the food. If I eat a Big Mac, I eat it because God has provided it.

Also, recent studies have shown that WHAT you eat, has little to do with your health. One study had a man eat nothing but high fat foods, twinkies, brownies, etc., for an extended period of time. He ate the suggested daily calorie intake, but ate the most unhealthy foods possible. His cholesterol went down, his blood pressure went down, he lost weight, and the his "good fat" levels increased.

If a person eats off the Mcdonalds dollar menu every day, instead of buying expensive health food, and takes that money and uses it to spread the gospel, He is actually being a better steward of his money.

If you eat 10 double cheeseburgers in one day you are going to die sooner then if you eat healthy. You can find a study to say anything you want to these days but I will never believe that it doesn't matter what you eat.

 

[J.D.]

O.K., let me give you some background, so you don't think I am trying to justify myself. I work out every day. I lift weights, run/walk (am up to 2 miles), etc. I am 215 pounds, 6 feet tall, and have a 33 inch waist. All that to say, I am NOT overweight.

Also: I eat relatively healthy. I like vegetables. I like fruit, and orange juice, and even things like spinach and cabbage.

But: I am SICK of people using various verses, completely out of context, to try to prove that the Bible mandates physical fitness. It doesn't. There is absolutely nothing in the Bible that says anything about being overweight, or not exercising, is sinful. Its not.

And it makes me SICK when people try to equate not staying in shape, to adultery, drug use, overindulgence in alcohol, etc. Those things are sinful. Being overweight, and not exercising, is not.

Now, some try to say "But your Body is a 'temple'!" Listen to me; That verse has NOTHING to do with exercising or "eating right." It is talking about not using your body for things the Bible says is sinful; do not use it for adultery, or lying, or killing, or stealing. It is not telling you to start an exercise plan!

What food does the Bible say is the best parts? Why, the FAT portions; the fattiest, greasiest, most unhealthy parts of the animals, are considered blessings in scripture, not "sinful."

The Bible is not about physical exercise; NOTHING about it. It is about saving souls. Staying in shape is spiritually neutral. It is like stamp collecting, or building model cars. It is fine if you do, and fine if you don't.

Agree. I've most often heard that scripture quoted in relation to smoking. While I have never smoked and cannot stand within 100 feet of a lit cigarrette, nevetheless there simply is no scripture including this one that forbids smoking if it can be done in a way that does not offend your brother or cause someone to stumble.

 

[Havensdad]

If you eat 10 double cheeseburgers in one day you are going to die sooner then if you eat healthy. You can find a study to say anything you want to these days but I will never believe that it doesn't matter what you eat.

Eating 3000 calories worth of Cheeseburgers is no more unhealthy than eating 3000 calories of Chicken Breast or tofu.

Calories are calories, and those are what make you gain weight. And FYI: Science does not lie. If you take on a certain diet, and your body improves in every measurable way, that shows that it is healthy.

If your weight requires 2,500 calories a day, and you eat 2,000 calories worth of Mcdonalds every day, you will lose weight, your cholesterol will go down, your blood pressure will improve, etc. I know, because I have actually lost weight and improved my blood pressure doing exactly that. I would eat a Sausage biscuit for breakfast (430 calories), double cheeseburger for lunch (400 calories), and then a normal dinner, such as my homemade chicken fried steak (entire meal about 1200 calories). Lost 30 pounds in 2 months, and brought my systolic pressure down 20 points.

So you can believe what Michelle Obama tells you, or you can believe the actual facts. I really don't care.

 

[saturneptune]

Eating 3000 calories worth of Cheeseburgers is no more unhealthy than eating 3000 calories of Chicken Breast or tofu.

Calories are calories, and those are what make you gain weight. And FYI: Science does not lie. If you take on a certain diet, and your body improves in every measurable way, that shows that it is healthy.

If your weight requires 2,500 calories a day, and you eat 2,000 calories worth of Mcdonalds every day, you will lose weight, your cholesterol will go down, your blood pressure will improve, etc. I know, because I have actually lost weight and improved my blood pressure doing exactly that. I would eat a Sausage biscuit for breakfast (430 calories), double cheeseburger for lunch (400 calories), and then a normal dinner, such as my homemade chicken fried steak (entire meal about 1200 calories). Lost 30 pounds in 2 months, and brought my systolic pressure down 20 points.

So you can believe what Michelle Obama tells you, or you can believe the actual facts. I really don't care.

Just curioius, you said you ate about 2000 calories a day when losing weight, how many do you now consume to maintain your weight?

 

[Havensdad]

Just curioius, you said you ate about 2000 calories a day when losing weight, how many do you now consume to maintain your weight?

I put on about 15-20 pounds of muscle, so I actually have to consume about 3,000 calories a day now, to maintain the status quo.

 

[quantumfaith]

Havensdad

Definition of GLUTTONY

1: excess in eating or drinking
2: greedy or excessive indulgence

"Science doe not lie" ???? It has in the past when it says something that YOU dont like or do not accept.

 

[webdog]

stuffing yourself at Red Lobster is not gluttony

Curious how you define gluttony.

 

[Allan]

O.K., let me give you some background, so you don't think I am trying to justify myself. I work out every day. I lift weights, run/walk (am up to 2 miles), etc. I am 215 pounds, 6 feet tall, and have a 33 inch waist. All that to say, I am NOT overweight.

Also: I eat relatively healthy. I like vegetables. I like fruit, and orange juice, and even things like spinach and cabbage.

But: I am SICK of people using various verses, completely out of context, to try to prove that the Bible mandates physical fitness. It doesn't. There is absolutely nothing in the Bible that says anything about being overweight, or not exercising, is sinful. Its not.

And it makes me SICK when people try to equate not staying in shape, to adultery, drug use, overindulgence in alcohol, etc. Those things are sinful. Being overweight, and not exercising, is not.

Now, some try to say "But your Body is a 'temple'!" Listen to me; That verse has NOTHING to do with exercising or "eating right." It is talking about not using your body for things the Bible says is sinful; do not use it for adultery, or lying, or killing, or stealing. It is not telling you to start an exercise plan!

What food does the Bible say is the best parts? Why, the FAT portions; the fattiest, greasiest, most unhealthy parts of the animals, are considered blessings in scripture, not "sinful."

The Bible is not about physical exercise; NOTHING about it. It is about saving souls. Staying in shape is spiritually neutral. It is like stamp collecting, or building model cars. It is fine if you do, and fine if you don't.

Amen!..

It is sad when people buy into cultural practices and force them into and upon other believers. The saddest part is many do it for money as it is a BIG money making industry right now, that is if you can get your books to sell.

And what is funny to me is this..

In the OT, one of the priests main portions of their daily diet was the meat sacrificed and it was boiled in the fat.. which becomes a big grease pot
The Priest were eating greasy fried foods as part of their main sustenance (sp?).. lol

One last fun point.. Christ was accused often of Gluttony.. was He over weight then?

 

[righteousdude2]

Great Post

This was a great issue to speak out on! Way too many believers have confused the spiritual message of this verse with the physical side of life.

We are the Temple is purely having to with sin!

Pastor Paul :type:

 

[Alive in Christ]

Havensdad...

I believe you are making a false dileneation between "eating too much" and "Gluttony"

What is the one fills up, and goes out vomits, then goes to eat more, doing?

He is EATING WAY TOO MUCH

What is a christian today doing who chooses to eat so much that he is obese?

He is EATING WAY TOO MUCH.

Its the same thing, brother.

Now, I'm not talking about men or women who is just a little hefty. Lots of people are hefty because its just their metabolism. Its the way they are because God created him/her that way. And they are beautiful just the way they are.

I'm not talking about them.

I'm talking about the really, really dangerously out of control food-ahol-ic.

Someone like that has a spiritual problem, and they really should take it seriously.

 

[saturneptune]

There are lots of people committing gluttony who do not become obese because of their metabolism.

 

[Crabtownboy]

Curious how you define gluttony.

Engaging in excessive eating/drinking.

1 : excess in eating or drinking
2 : greedy or excessive indulgence

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gluttony

 

[Crabtownboy]

There are lots of people committing gluttony who do not become obese because of their metabolism.

Seems to me if they are not gaining weight then they are not over eating. If they overeat for their metabolism they will gain weight.