I have been on a low carb diet for several weeks and lately I have been craving cake! Yesterday morning I wanted coffee cake (seems like a Sunday thing to me) but by the afternoon it was chocolate cake. So, right or wrong, I gave into my craving and had a piece of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake at Cracker Barrel—with a small scoop of REAL vanilla ice cream (naturally). While it was yummy, it only took a few bites before I was overwhelmed by the richness and sweetness of this cake. I won’t want that again for a while. Unfortunately I give into my cravings far too easily.
The Bible talks about worldly cravings. I learned about them yesterday in church from the following passage:
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:1-3 NIV
We are not supposed to crave the things of this world but crave the things of God if we are going to grow in our salvation (vs. 3). This is how we mature as believers.
To grow in our salvation (or maturity) we should crave the following:
· God’s Word (reading the Bible)
· Prayer (spending time with Him regularly)
· Christian Fellowship (spending time with other believers)
Second Thessalonians 1:3 says “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.” (emphasis mine)
So, was it sinful for me to give in to that chocolate cake? In this particular situation I think it was more of a sin to Dr. Atkins than to God. Here is why I think this; first, I did not run to the cake instead of to God for comfort….I just wanted it; second, no food is sinful in and of itself; and third, I did not sneak it.
Let me explain. Basically all of these boil down to a heart condition. If I was upset or angry or fearful and I had the cake to try to make me feel better than it would be sinful because I should have turned to God and cried out to him.
Paul told the Colossians about food not being the problem in the following verse:
“Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” Colossians 2:20-23 NIV
The Colossians were stressing out about all the man-made rules in place that had expanded over time. Paul was explaining that the food was not the problem. They were judging people based on what they ate and drank.
The last reason I give is that I didn’t sneak it. There have been times in my life that I knew I shouldn’t eat something so I hid! I would have to say that this reveals a sinful heart attitude. Food is to nourish our bodies and to enjoy while fellowshipping with others. Of course I don’t mean you can’t eat alone either! Again, my problem was a heart issue because I was going against my conscience.
I will close with two passages that help us know how to focus our cravings:
“…for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:9 NIV
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8 NIV
Not only is it good to crave the things of the Lord for our maturity, but the spiritual food He offers is completely calorie and carb free! Plus, He is our refuge!! What more could we ask for?
Have a great day!