NUTRTION IN THE BIBLE

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Nutrition in the Bible
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31, NIV).



Go to Health!
Mark A. Kellner, Columbia, Maryland, U.S.A.
Sabbath Introduction
1 Cor. 10:31

It’s nearly the middle of the year—so, how are those New Year’s resolutions coming along? You know, the ones about eating better (less junk food, more fruits and veggies), getting more exercise (fewer video games), and taking care of yourself?

The need to live a healthful lifestyle isn’t just a good idea.

It’s amazing how many people make those resolutions on or near January 1—and then abandon them by, say, January 3, if not sooner. But the need to live a healthful lifestyle isn’t just a good idea, it’s part of what God wants us to do.

I once heard someone say, “Kids don’t come with an instruction manual.” Well, that’s not true. The Bible has loads to say about child rearing and also about how we should feed ourselves—as kids and as adults. In fact, God loves us so much, He gave us specific instructions about what foods to eat, starting in the Bible’s first chapter, Genesis 1:29: “ ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food’ ” (NIV). From there, He gets quite specific about what we should—and should not—eat. So, we don’t need to guess about which fad diet will give us the best energy, appearance, or health. We only need to see what good foods God has set before us.

God’s instructions about food aren’t a narrative or something to make all those “begats” more interesting. The One who created us is the One who cares about us, so much so that He wants us to be healthy; and so much of our health can be determined by what we eat. Just ask successful athletes. Before a major competition, they make sure to eat the right foods that will supply needed energy. They also make sure they don’t eat foods that will detract from their performance.

The Bible’s thrust about proper nutrition has all sorts of implications, as we see from 1 Corinthians 10:31. Implicit in doing all “for the glory of God” is that He is watching us. Just as very young children want to please their parents, God delights in His children seeking to please Him. But also, doesn’t this suggest that others are watching? Jesus said that when we do good, we are glorifying God (Matt. 5:16). Won’t a healthful lifestyle be a part of that? We’ll learn that, and more, this week.



What Is Your Food Saying?
Seth Allen, Bracknell, United Kingdom
Sunday Evidence
Exod. 15:26; Lev. 11:44, 45; Num. 11:4–34; Daniel 1

Leviticus 11 gives God’s perspective on nutrition. The children of Israel were to walk, talk, and eat like His holy people should. The Egyptian diet on which they had lived for nearly four hundred years included many of the foods that were permissible for the children of Israel to eat. Many Egyptologists have concluded that the upper class ate the most meat, while the poorer class consumed more fruits and vegetables that grew in the rich soil around the Nile.

Can too much of a good thing be bad?

Numbers 11:4–34 reveals how seriously God considered the link between food and spirituality. “God gave the people that which was not for their highest good, because they persisted in desiring it. . . . They were left to suffer the result. . . . ‘The Lord smote the people with a very great plague.’ ”1 If the food was clean, why did God smite them with a plague? Perhaps it was because they lusted after meat so much that they lost sight of God. Can too much of a good thing be bad? God certainly seems to think so.

When the children of Israel eventually reached the Promised Land, historians say that their diet consisted mainly of fruits and vegetables because they made their livelihood from their livestock. When they did kill their animals, it was usually for sacrificial purposes or special occasions.
In Britain during World War II, strict food rationing meant that people ate less fat as well as fewer eggs and less meat and sugar. Studies today suggest that this type of diet reduces the risk of contracting cancer, heart disease, and other degenerative illnesses.2 We certainly know how rampant cancer is among society and that it is even increasing in our church.

God has shown us which foods are for our best good because He loves us so much. The benefits of eating according to His nutritional plan are both physical and spiritual. In these last days He is calling us to be last-day Daniels. Will you respond to the Master’s call?

REACT
1. How can what you eat witness to others of your commitment to God?
2. What is the difference between God’s ultimate will and His permitted will?
3. What does your diet say about your attitude toward God?
____________
1. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 382.
2. T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell II, The China Study (Dallas, Tex.: BenBella Books, 2006).



Soul Food
Ray Allen, Bracknell, United Kingdom
Monday Logos
Gen. 1:26–30; 7:1, 2; 8:20; Leviticus 11;
Deuteronomy 14; Prov. 23:19–21; Acts 10:1–28;
Rom. 14:17; 1 Tim. 4:1–5


The Original Diet (Gen. 1:26–30)
The original diet was vegan. It consisted of grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables.1 It appears to be similar to what Daniel and his companions ate (Dan. 1:11–15, 19, 20). An increasing number of dieticians and scientists today are verifying that a vegan diet produces optimal health.2

The people were obviously having serious withdrawal symptoms.

God allowed the survivors of the Flood to eat animals (Gen. 9:3, 4). The Bible records the age of selected biblical characters from both before the Flood and after. As it turns out, the addition of meat had the effect of slashing the life span considerably. Pre-Flood life spans often topped the 900-year mark, with Methuselah falling shy of 1,000 years at 969 (Gen. 5:27). However, Lamech lived to only 777 (Gen. 5:31), with Abraham cruising in at a grand age of 175 (Gen. 25:7). By the time of David, the average life span was down to 70 years.

The Vertical Connection (Gen. 7:1, 2; 8:20)
God told Noah to take into the ark seven of each kind of clean animal and two of each kind of unclean animal. Soon after the Flood, Noah sacrificed some of those clean animals. This sacrifice was acceptable to God. Although unstated in Genesis, Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 confirm that God allowed the use of only clean animals for food. Just as God accepted the use of only clean animals in sacrifices offered to Him, so it appears that if human beings were to adopt the use of meat in their diet, God would accept the use of only the best—certain clean animals. There is a hint here of a connection between what we eat and our relationship with God—perhaps a link between the quality of our nutrition and the quality of our worship. The apostle Paul seems to support this in Romans 12:1 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Food for a Holy People (Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14)
Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 list the categories of animal foods that are clean and unclean. Of the animals that live on the land, those that have both split hooves and chew the cud were considered clean. Of the creatures that live in water, only those with both fins and scales were to be used for food. God gave similar directives for birds and winged insects. Anyone who ate an unclean creature or touched its carcass was considered unclean. In Leviticus 11:43–46, God makes it clear that eating anything unclean is unacceptable for a people who belong to a
holy God. Deuteronomy 14:21 forbids an Israelite to eat anything found dead, but the carcass could be donated or sold to a foreigner for food. God’s people were set apart by God and were therefore holy. So for the Israelite, the choice of foods eaten
appears to be an integral part of being holy.

Angel Food Versus Egyptian Delights (Exodus 16)
God did not intend for the children of Israel to continue eating flesh foods. Soon after their escape from Egypt, He tried to wean them from such foods with manna, or “angel food” as it’s often called. However, the people were obviously having serious withdrawal symptoms from the fleshpots of Egypt. In the end, God allowed them to continue to eat flesh foods.

A Fly in the Theological Soup (Rom. 14:17; 1 Tim. 4:1–5)
Some of the Jewish members in the early New Testament church were so entrenched in the legal matters of the ceremonial laws and other concerns that they longed to force their views on new believers. Quite often the debate revolved around which food was permitted or not permitted. In Romans 14:15–17 Paul advised those who were more mature in their understanding of doctrinal matters not to pass judgment on those who were perhaps weak in their development, but to focus on the “weightier matters of the law” (Matt. 23:23, NKJV). A similar case is evident in 1 Timothy 4:1–5. Here Paul categorizes those forcing their pet beliefs on others as those who “will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (verse 1, NIV).

A Food Illustration (Acts 10:1–28)
Some commentators consider Peter’s vision as proof that God endorses the use of unclean meats. An adoption of this view, however, would be a misinterpretation of the text, which is simply an illustration to help Peter to overcome his prejudice toward Gentile converts. Up to that point, the Gentiles were considered unclean. Peter got the point. If God is no respecter of persons, neither should he be.

Eat Drink and Be Merry? (Prov. 23:19–21)
In Proverbs 23:19–21 Solomon advises against associating with those who have tendencies toward greed and intemperance regarding food and drink.

REACT
1. If a vegan diet represents the ideal, why did God permit the survivors of the Flood to eat meat?
2. What about today? Should we aim for a vegan diet, a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet, or a clean-meat diet? Explain your answer.
3. If the consumption of meat is the best option available, how important is it that it is free of fat or blood? (See Genesis 9:4.)
____________
1. Health and Happiness, p. 123.
2. Campbell and Campbell, The China Study, p. 242.



Small Decisions; Big Consequences
Gina Renee Wahlen, Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A.
Tuesday Testimony
Deuteronomy 14

“The history of Daniel and his companions has been recorded on the pages of the inspired word, for the benefit of the youth of all succeeding ages. . . .

“The time came when they must act for themselves.”

“Those who, like Daniel, refuse to defile themselves, will reap the reward of their temperate habits. With their greater physical stamina and increased power of endurance, they have a bank of deposit upon which to draw in case of emergency.

“Right physical habits promote mental superiority. . . . Daniel and his companions enjoyed the benefits of correct training and education in early life, but these advantages alone would not have made them what they were. The time came when they must act for themselves—when their future depended upon their own course.”1

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah “were not only to be admitted to the royal palace, but it was provided that they should eat of the meat, and drink of the wine, which came from the king’s table. . . .

“Among the viands [food choices] . . . were swine’s flesh and other meats which were declared unclean by the law of Moses, and which the Hebrews had been expressly forbidden to eat. Here Daniel was brought to a severe test. Should he adhere to the teachings of his fathers concerning meats and drinks, and offend the king, probably losing not only his position but his life? or should he disregard the commandment of the Lord, and retain the favor of the king? . . .

“Daniel did not long hesitate. He decided to stand firmly for his integrity, let the result be what it might. . . .

“The character of Daniel is presented to the world as a striking example of what God’s grace can make of men fallen by nature and corrupted by sin. The record of his noble, self-denying life is an encouragement to our common humanity. From it we may gather strength to nobly resist temptation, and firmly, and in the grace of meekness, stand for the right under the severest trial.”2

REACT
If you are placed in a situation where food/drinks are being served that you know are contrary to what the Bible teaches should be consumed, how should you react? What are some ways to prepare in advance to make such situations less stressful?
____________
1. Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, pp. 27, 28.
2. Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, January 25, 1881.



Living to Eat or Eating to Live
De Laine Heinlein-Mayden, Ellicott City, Maryland, U.S.A.
Wednesday How-to
Gen. 1:26−30; 7:1, 2; 8:20

Many people understand the principles of nutrition that God has given us. It’s in the practical application of those principles where many fall prey to temptation. Here then are six ways to help you change your eating habits so they reflect God’s principles:

Be brave! Try something new once or twice a week.

Pray, sleep, and drink water. Getting enough sleep and drinking enough water prepare our bodies to withstand physical temptations. Time spent in prayer prepares us mentally and spiritually. Read Philippians 4:13. Always keep it in mind.

Change habits gradually. If you’re changing from a meat-based to a plant-based diet, make the change gradually. “Changes must not be made so abruptly that they will be turned from health reform, instead of being led to it.”1

Plan what and when to eat rather than following your cravings. Make a schedule of what and when you eat. Change that schedule as you learn how your body utilizes food. Experiment with eating only two meals a day, or try eating four to five smaller meals. Learn how fasting can benefit you physically and spiritually.

Journal your eating habits. Note the size of your portions along with the changes you experience in your body and mind, particularly your thoughts. Also note how your prayer life affects your eating habits and how your eating habits affect your prayer life.

Vary your food choices. Eat new and different foods. There are millions of healthy recipes online. Be brave! Try something new once or twice a week. When you first begin to change your eating habits, new foods may not be palatable. Allow time for your tastes to change

Research Ellen White’s guidelines. Go to the E. G. White Estate Web site (http://www.whiteestate.org). Then do a key word search of all her writings—for example, “eating habits” or “sugar.” Notice how God gently leads us into a deeper, purer relationship with Him. She wrote, “We should not be prevailed upon to take anything into the mouth that will bring the body into an unhealthy condition, no matter how much we like it. Why? Because we are God’s property.”2

As we seek to become closer to God by purifying our minds and bodies with good, healthful eating habits, He provides us with the strength to succeed.
____________
1. Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 284.
2। Ibid., p. 328.



Why Does good Nutrition Matter?
Wilona Karimabadi, Ellicott City, Maryland, U.S.A.
Thursday Opinion
Gen 1:26−30;John 10:10

If you were to ask the title’s question of any fitness trainer or nutritionist, you would likely get an enthusiastic response that would take more time than you would care to spend hearing it. If you were to ask that question of a Christian, I believe your response would be similar, but slightly less enthusiastic. However, when we approach the topic of good nutrition, Christians also should be passionate.

“There’s no telling where a more abundant life will lead you!”

“Garbage in, garbage out” describes the level of performance your body delivers based on what you fuel it with. Eating a diet rich in candy, simple carbs, fats, and sodas will get you a machine running on empty and unable to perform as God intended. However, load that same body with lean protein, grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables—and watch what happens!

God didn’t create our bodies to fail. He created the right sort of fuel to help them function with vitality. Nutrition matters to people who want to be healthy. And nutrition should matter to Christians who want to be healthy. But we may not always act that way. And that’s a problem.
If we look at our bodies as finely tuned machines, what would happen if we put the wrong kind of fuel in our tanks? That’s precisely why proper nutrition matters to the quality of life we strive for. “You are of infinite value. God calls your body His ‘temple.’ He wants the very best for you.”1

To be an effective Christian, we have to be running at our best. Living life abundantly is our calling, and eating healthfully helps us to fulfill that calling. “By making a few changes in your diet and lifestyle, you can live on a higher plane in harmony with the laws of your being. With this beginning, there’s no telling where a more abundant life will lead you!”2

Just as having a quality relationship with God matters, so it matters if we take care of the bodies He gave us. Approach your next meal with that in mind.

REACT
1. What are some foods that make you feel good? What are some that make you feel bad?
2. How do we dishonor God by failing to pay attention to what we eat?
_____________
1. Tim Crosby, “Why Going Meatless Makes Sense,” How to Go Meatless for Life, Vibrant Life special issue,
p. 10.
2. Ibid.



Right Eating, Abundant Living
Frank A. Campbell, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Friday Exploration
Prov. 11:3

CONCLUDE
We see the link between food and abundant life in the Bible’s dietary instructions and in Isaiah’s and Revelation’s preview into heaven’s menu. We see practical manifestations—meat eating following the Flood. And we see the spiritual connection—Jesus the “bread of life.” The journey from where we live to eat to where we eat to live more abundantly calls, like any journey, for the three Ps—planning, pursuit (action), and patience. Patience with ourselves. And, more so, with those who are not yet as far on the journey to abundant life as we are.

CONSIDER
•Spending 30 to 60 minutes thinking about Bible texts concerning food. Which ones deal with the physical? Which deal with the spiritual? Which cover both?
•Sharing with the class what the National Geographic article mentioned in the Connect section implies about how Adventist living leads to abundant life.
•Preparing a three-course or even a one-course meal made entirely of uncooked foods—fruits, vegetables, nuts (if you are not allergic to them), etc. (See the Connect section.)
•Starting a vegetable garden or a mixed flower and vegetable garden.
•Writing a polite letter suggesting what your principal, mayor, premier, governor, president, prime minister, king, or queen can do to improve the food and drinks available in local, regional, or national school(s) and hospital(s).
•Instituting a “Good Food Day” for yourself or family. This could mean no animal products, no snacking, etc. It could last a week, a month, or longer.
•Starting a healthful-food recipe collection.

CONNECT
Heal the World: Begin With Yourself (special youth edition of The Ministry of Healing), edited by Gary B. Swanson, pp. 97–112; Dan Buettner, “The Secrets of Long Life,” National Geographic, November 2005, pp. 2–27; LuAnn Bermeo, Amazing Meals, vols. 1 and 2; Rose Lee Calabro, Living in the Raw: Gourmet (Summertown, Tenn.: Book Publishing Company, 2005).