Hello everyone! I hope you are having a good week so far. Today we are going to learn how food can be an idol. Open your Bibles and read Philippians 3:19; 1 Corinthians 6:12; and John 6:32-35.
I think when we mainly think about food being an idol we think about that movie scene where the girl is heartbroken, eating ice cream, and watching her favorite romance movie while crying. This scene is relatable for many of us. When we go through something emotional we look for comfort and often we turn towards the comfort of our favorite foods. Whether it’s ice cream, junk food, your mom’s famous chicken dish, or even a glass of wine. We are still looking for comfort in something that isn’t God.
When we look at the root of idolizing food, we are likely looking for a release from present circumstances. This may look like treating yourself to some ice cream or eating a meal in silence. It might even go the other way and lead in the direction of counting calories, being on diets, or avoiding it altogether. When food becomes more than it is intended to be, it begins to compete for the throne of your heart. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians that food is not to be consumed for any other reason then to feed our stomachs. It is not intended to support us emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.
God intended food for a good thing. Food is meant for us to thank our Creator for providing for us. When people gather and celebrate, there is food. It is meant to be part of worship and thanks towards the Lord, not for us to consume and seek comfort in.
Let’s discuss what we just read. I have some questions that I want you to think about, write them down, and if you’d like to comment below we can discuss them together!
- How are you tempted to make an idol out of food?
- Make a list comparing and contrasting a Godly view of food and an idolatrous view of food.
- How can our appetite for food be used to cultivate a greater appetite for God?
I understand how easy it is to fall into idolizing food without even realizing you’re even doing it. Whenever I have a bad day, I want carbs lol. Maybe even some ice cream. Sometimes I want some wine. But this is not how God intended food. We are meant to run to Him when we have bad days, not to food. So next time, try to have a conversation in the car with our loving God who just wants our attention. He wants us to come running into His arms.
“My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” Philippians 1:20.
Well, ladies, we are finished our second week of More Than Anything together! As we wrap this study up I want you to answer a few more questions. Make sure you’re comfortable, get your coffee, your blanket, and let’s reflect on this week.
- What passages stood out to you the most this week?
- What did you observe from this week’s text about God and His character?
- What do these passages teach about the condition of mankind?
- How do these passages point to the gospel?
- How should you respond to these passages? What is the personal application?
- What specific actions steps can you take this week to apply these passages?
I hope you enjoy this study and decide to come back. Next week we’ll start with Friendship and see how we make that into an idol. I hope you enjoy the beautiful sunset that was made by our loving Father and y’all have a wonderful night.