Everything God Created Is Good

By Jennifer Smith Lane

A Reflection on 1 Timothy 4:1-8

Whenever I come across a passage that speaks into food and body image, it challenges me to rethink how I view food and my body by gaining a new perspective through God’s Word. This is one of those passages that stopped me in my tracks. Even though these words were written thousands of years ago, it exposes the ways the beauty, diet and health industries of today distort our ideals and feelings about food and our bodies. Let’s unpack this together. 

Misled by Hypocrisy

1“But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 [misled] by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical functioning], 3 who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from [certain kinds of] foods which God has created to be gratefully shared by those who believe and have [a clear] knowledge of the truth.

When I read that, “in later times some will…pay attention to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, misled by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences…leave them incapable of ethical functioning…”, I immediately thought of the media and advertising that bombards us 24/7. How many products out there are perfect for you, scientifically tested, doctor approved, guaranteed to work, and guaranteed for three installments of $39.95? Only to discover it was a scam never to get that money back and no better off than before. 

It goes on to say they “advocate abstaining from certain kinds of foods which God has created.” This reminded me of all of the fads that tell you to eliminate certain foods in order to “be healthy” and achieve a “better body”. However, one says cut dairy; another, carbs; another, fats; another, eat only protein; yet another, vegetarian. It’s so confusing and God is not a God of confusion. These campaigns make food seem like our enemy instead of something to be grateful for as God’s provision to us. 

Everything God Created is Good

4 For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified [set apart, dedicated to God] by means of the word of God and prayer. 

We’ve lost sight that “everything God has created is good” including food and our bodies. He goes on to say that “nothing is to be rejected…(but) dedicated to God.” If you’ve struggled with eating and body image, this is an incredible challenge. I would hasten to guess it’s hard for you to think of your body, or the food you eat, as good. Or to remember that God created food not to be rejected but dedicated to Him. What if we:

Would we treat our bodies the same way or would we need to make some adjustments?

Nourished on Words of the Faith

6 If you point out these instructions to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished [through study] on the words of the faith and of the good [Christian] doctrine which you have closely followed. 7 But have nothing to do with irreverent folklore and silly myths…

I love how it says “constantly nourished on the words of the faith.” A life focused on eating and body image, is a life stuck on seeking nourishment through earthly means. However, here we are encouraged to nourish ourselves constantly with Scripture. If we are not adequately nourishing our spirit and instead feeding it cultural ideals, how can we have a godly perspective on food and our bodies? God’s answer to this is to have “nothing to do with folklore and myths.” This might look like limiting social media and media exposure and instead spending more time in Scripture so that our minds are rooted in truth, not myths. 

Spiritual Training

7 …On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.” AMP

Another aspect distorted by our culture is exercise. Yes exercise is good for the body, but using it as a means to manage body size, shape, and weight is not what God intended. He says, “physical training is of some value but spiritual training is of value in everything.” While people who struggle with compulsive exercise are disciplined, God says “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness, keeping yourself spiritually fit.” When’s the last time you worked on your spiritual fitness? What if you applied the same amount of discipline to your spiritual life as you do to exercise, food, and your body? How would your life be different?

Friend, don’t fall for the world’s seductive version of health and beauty. Remember who God is, that He is good, and that what He created is good (including you)!