In John 10:10 we are told by Jesus that, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (NKJV).” Sometimes the thief (Satan) does this in a not so subtle way, but most of the time it is a very subtle deception that leaves believers in the same chains that Jesus died on the cross to break. As believers in the finished work of Jesus, we already have freedom. In order to walk in this freedom and to live in the truth, we have to submit to God and resist the devil in order for the devil to flee (James 4:7). The problem is though, too many Christians either don’t believe that we have to “stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11), or our eyes have been blinded to the truth because of the deception. Instead of living in the truth, instead of letting Jesus live through us, too often we are walking in the deception that has come to steal, and to kill, and to destroy our lives.
I believe that we all have the desire to eat healthy and to make good food choices because we feel better when we do and our bodies crave the real foods God created for us to eat. However, what we have been told is healthy for our bodies, over the last thirty years, has not really been the case. We have been living under a subtle deception that has caused a healthcare crisis in this country. We hear conflicting messages about what we should be eating and this has led to much confusion and dismay. The Bible tells us though that “God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (I Corinthians 14:33). This is how we know for certain that we are being deceived and that this is the enemies plan to steal, to kill, and to destroy our health.
God’s precepts, which are generally intended to regulate our behavior, are like the armor of a heavily armed-soldier, so that we can stand up against all the schemes and attacks of Satan. God created a natural law for our bodies when it comes to food to help regulate our behavior. We know that if we eat more calories than we burn we will gain weight. That is a natural law. Satan though has come against this natural law through deception and confusion. The food industry has created a plethora of low-fat, low-carb, gluten-free, or so called “healthy” foods that just leave consumers confused about what they should be eating. Many of these “healthy” foods are highly processed and chock-full of sugar. And that is the deception. They are not healthy at all, and in fact produce the opposite result of health. In fact, sugar is highly addictive and when we eat it, it produces a physical desire in us to eat more, and then of course the more we eat the more we gain. Sugar addiction also produces lethargy which keeps us inactive, yet the desire to eat continues to flourish. Through this deception and confusion we have been pulled into a vicious cycle of unhealthy behaviors that is robbing us of our health and our joy. Submitting to God is the only solution to end this vicious cycle. Why? God’s Word tells us the answer. Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7). We have to submit to God, because when we are following His precepts, we are fully armed to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Submit to God. Bring God into your eating plan and ask Him what He wants you to eat and follow through on what you hear Him tell you. God has a plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11), but we have to be good stewards of what God has given us in order for Him to be able to carry out His perfect plan. We are stewards of the bodies God gave us, and if we do not steward our bodies well, God cannot use us to accomplish His purposes. It is God’s desire for us to eat the whole nutritious foods that He created for us, and whether we have a food addiction or not, this is a lesson we can all learn. Our bodies are “a temple of the Holy Spirit” (I Corinthians 6:19) and we all need to treat them kindly. We wouldn’t offer Jesus poison if He were coming to dinner, so why do we poison our bodies with unhealthy foods and drinks if it is the residence of the Holy Spirit? Submit to God when making food choices and be delivered from deception.
The Truth in Action: I believe one of the biggest defeats we can hand to Satan is overcoming our food struggles. Satan has so many of us living in chains because of food addiction. The Word tells us that we can’t serve two masters (Matthew 6:24) and if we aren’t submitting to God in our food choices, then that clearly tells us who we are serving. Say a prayer of deliverance today over your food struggles and BELIEVE that Jesus has delivered you. If you don’t struggle with food, pray that God will show you how to be a good steward of the body He gave you by showing you what foods you should be eating.
If Jesus were coming to dinner at your house, what would you serve Him? As a starting point, make a list of the healthy, whole, nutritious foods that God created for us and then come up with a menu of what you would serve to Jesus and then make that for yourself.
Prayer for Deliverance: Thank you Lord Father for this day, and thank you that your mercies are new each morning. Lord Father we thank you for your Son, who is our Savior, Redeemer, and Deliverer. In John 10:10-11, Jesus, you tell us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Lord we ask you to bring our hearts to focus on your truth this day and every day. We can expect a battle, but you also tell us we can expect deliverance because Jesus has already provided us with an abundant life. Father, in overwhelming moments help us to recall the truth of Psalm 32:7, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Remind us of all that have gone before us in bravery, with courageous faith in your protective hand of deliverance. We give you thanks and praise this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Meditate on Scripture: Romans 8:1-2 (ESV) – There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
Further Study: Read Romans 8:5-8. What is the difference between living in the flesh and living in the Spirit? What is the consequence of living in the flesh? When we live in the flesh we are not submitted to God, therefore if we are not submitted to God, when we try to resist the devil and his temptations, we will ultimately fail.