“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
One of my family’s favorite things to do on road trips is to forgo our normally healthy snacks in favor of buying junk food when we stop at rest areas on our journey. Larger rest stops are filled with rows and rows of chips, snack mixes, chocolates, and candies. We excitedly open and eat what we purchase as soon as we return to our vehicle.
Inevitably, an hour or so down the road, discomfort and fatigue set it. This has especially resonated with me as I have gotten older; my stomach cannot handle the processed, fried, and spicier foods that it once used to.
The Lord created a variety of foods for humans to enjoy. The Mediterranean Diet has won countless accolades from nutritionists as being the optimal way of eating, in regard to health and longevity. The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes plant-based foods and healthy fats, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and olive oil – foods all found in nature. Over the last several decades, humans have over-processed our food sources in an effort to save time and money. Processed and sugary foods can taste amazing, but leave a lot to be desired – studies have shown the chronic consumption of these foods can cause a myriad of health issues over time.
The things of this world can bring us momentary pleasure, but often leave us feeling empty or dissatisfied afterwards.
1 John 2:15 reminds us, “Do not love the world or anything in the world.”
If God created the world, what exactly does this mean? It means that initially, everything God designed for humans was meant for our benefit and our betterment. Since the fall of man, the devil has compromised all of the pure and righteous components of God’s creation and manipulated them to bring us harm. Satan will package these alternatives in appealing ways, to where they offer momentary happiness. But what lies on the other side of our choices can be detrimental, dangerous, or deadly.
I find it increasingly difficult to navigate life with intentionality. The offerings of worldly pleasures are all around us – and not just in rest stop convenience stores. The world is certainly designed to distract us, entice us, and lead us astray. Galatians 5:17 reminds us, “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
The opposite of living for pleasure is living with purpose and intentionality. Purpose will guide life decisions, influence behavior, offer a sense of direction, and create meaning. A life of purpose for a Christian may mean passing over worldly pleasures, and instead, holding out for the blessings and joy that come from a life of devotion and obedience to God.
The Scriptures offer us these encouraging reminders:
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall lack nothing.” – Psalm 23:1
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” – Psalm 16:11
As I have matured in my walk as a follower of Christ, I have turned my back on many momentary offerings of this life and instead, continued with perseverance the path set before me. It has definitely been challenging, and during some seasons, lonely, but just like Psalm 16:11 promised us, the “fullness of joy” has always found its way to me.
So, as I prepare for several road trips with my family this coming summer, as much as I would love to enjoy the myriad of sweet and salty snacks awaiting me on my journey, I plan to pack healthier options before I leave home. They may not taste as delightful, but I know they are better for me.
My stomach and my health will thank me for choosing the long-term over the momentary.
