Thriving in a Fast-Food Culture
Proverbs 23:20-21; Daniel 1:8, 11-16; Romans 13:12-14
According to the Centers for Disease Control:
– More than 60 percent of adults do not engage in the recommended amount of activity.
– Approximately 25 percent of U.S. adults are not active at all.
– 67 percent of adults 20 and older and 16% of children are overweight or obese.
– 21 percent of adults 18 and over smoke cigarettes.
– 19.5 percent of high school students smoked cigarettes last month.
(Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2009, Vital and Health Statistics, series 10, #249, December 2010)
Millions of Americans will make New Year’s resolutions today to lose weight, eat healthier, quit smoking, and drink less alcohol. Most of them will end the night eating cholesterol-infused meats, few vegetables, and no exercise, topping the night off with a “relaxing” drink and smoke. Knowing that we are in poor shape and doing something about it are two different things. This study gives clear instructions:
Resist “the desires of the flesh” by following Jesus (Romans 13:12-14). It is easy to succumb to fast food, sedentary living, and other unhealthy habits. Strengthen your resolve by deepening your relationship with Christ and finding an accountability partner whom you trust. He or she should give good counsel and walk with you on the journey to healthy living.
Avoid the harmful (Proverbs 23:20-21). Overeating, eating unhealthy foods, drug and alcohol abuse, and lethargic lifestyles will rob you of your wealth and health. Fast fixes to poor health management are expensive. It is better to choose right behavior and healthy habits.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle (Daniel 1:8, 11-16). Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible. Start slow and make simple changes to your dietary habits.
One way to achieve good health is to get physically active through prayerwalking. If you have not been very active, start with five-to-10 minutes of physical activity and gradually build up to the desired level of activity. As you walk your neighborhood or local mall, notice the people around you. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you about them. Ask God for His help in your life and for Him to intervene in the lives of people you pass. If you do, you will gain better physical and spiritual health as you enjoy a closer walk with Him!
Scudder– Lessons in the BSL series for the winter quarter are being written by Steve Scudder, former director of missions for Savannah River Association.