This is a valid concern and kudos to you for addressing it, especially in light of the fact that you struggled with the same. One quick plug for a specific way to overcome this issue, and in more ways than 1 - over a year ago I switched over to a basically carnivore way of eating. No sugar, no grains and no plant based foods. I dropped 40# within 90 days. A few weeks ago, I did the life-line screening and low & behold, everything was in the window. Blood sugar, T (upper window), triglycerides, etc... saturated fats are essential and healthy in the human diet. Most importantly, I feel better than I have in years, I think more clearly and I'm on a more emotionally even keel than I've been in decades. All this with some of the most tumultuous events in my life occurring in the past 6 months. If you struggle with weight and health issues, I can't recommend this more vehemently. The simplicity is staggering. Look up Dr. Ken Berry on YouTube, and Kelly Hogan.
Jack, thanks for writing this. I know it wasn't easy to write this given the backlash it was inevitably going to cause. I have struggled with my weight and emotional eating almost all my life and I thought this piece was balanced and fair on the whole.
Although, I know many "overweight" preachers who fight in the trenches for the faith and many "fit" preachers who have endlessly compromised God's Word with the culture. So, just anecdotally, I struggle to see the connection with the Low T/overweight preacher problem and soundness... but I also understand that data is data and you acknowledged that it's not necessarily the case that fitness = virtue.
In my own life, I have benefitted greatly from exercise and diet. The discipline gained from these two areas have definitely bled into the rest of my life, spiritually and otherwise. I think the words of Socrates on this topic are illuminating and relevant: https://quotecollectorsclub.com/socrates-quotes-fitness/
Hi Jack, excellent article in both info an balance. The points you make are certainly valid and should be considered carefully by all readers, regardless of body shape. I've been preaching full time for 44 years and have seen several cases of "self-discipline problems" in the ministry. As you noted, Paul's epistles to young preachers do, indeed, call for self-discipline. Since "self-control" is part of the fruit of the spirit, there should certainly be a lot of consideration given to that trait in the men we hire. I praise God for your honesty here and your courage to tackle a challenging subject in a straightforward manner. -Ray Wallace, Bayfield, CO (I'd love to meet for lunch when I'm in the Dallas area.)
So proud of you Jack! We in the south sure like our potluck’s . We are just so blessed with food choices. It’s rising to an entertainment level at times!
Brother Wilkie, Thanks for speaking the whispered discussion out loud.
Weight control has long been an issue among preachers. I didn't have an issue, as long as I was working a full-time (physical) job as well as preaching and teaching full-time. Such a situation can have its benefits, but over twenty years or so it has its downside too.
As we age, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the fit and vigor of our youth. Yet, if the pounds begin to pack on, there is a way to improve our health even while aging.
The bible doesn't, in my understanding, come right out and say it, however, the answer was integral to first-century working class people. The rich, as well as people in high government positions, tended to become overweight with their sedentary lifestyles and frequent banqueting.
Three points present themselves as important to bible preachers teachers and students, adequate and appropriate food conjoined with brisk physical activity and fasting.
Most people will agree with the first couple of topics but will balk at the last one. I'm not saying everyone should go on a two-week or month long fast (even though it may prove beneficial to some). However, fasting is a natural part of life. We've probably all had moments of distress and adversity when the very thought of food was sickening. As the situation normalizes, our appetite returns and we are able to return to our normal diet.
Truth be known, we all fast every day. That's why the first meal of the day is called break-fast. When that fast is extended from your last meal the night before, till later the following day (say 15-18 hours), that's called intermittent fasting. Such fasting gives the body time to rest and regenerate, and helps to overcome many of our health issues.
What happened to me? first off, I was able to get rid of that spare tire that had been plaguing me for years. I shed over thirty pounds in a couple of months. I'm lighter and more agile and I feel much better. I started by fasting 15-18 hours twice a week and then (when the scale indicated progress) I decided to fast every day.
Finally the spiritual benefits are also to be had. In times of repentance, time was dedicated to prayer and fasting. When Paul and Barnabas were sent out to evangelize the nations there was prayer and fasting. Appointing elders was a serious time of reflection on their pivotal roles, in regard to the maturation of the church.
This is not to say there are also times when feasting is appropriate. We should weep with those who mourn, but we should also rejoice with those who rejoice.
Thanks for this article. Gives much to consider. I've always wondered why the subject of gluttony was never preached. We dance around that sin and focus on so many others.
Preach on! People do not want to admit that our physical state impacts all facets of our being. The chemical onslaught (by design IMO) is turning us into drones and lesser people. The research is available - start with a documentary "The Disappearing Male" - to learn how we are being chemically manipulated. Don't even get me started on mRNA technology! Political elites have satanic agendas: they have no qualms about poisoning our media, minds, food, water, entertainment, household products... I fear we've turned food into an idol even without their help. I don't attend potlucks anymore because I leave hungry (low sugar, gluten free) and there is no emphasis on relationship : it's become "pig out, clean up quickly and leave asap".
Great Article! I appreciate you speaking hard truth knowing the blowback you're almost certain to get. And I really appreciate you waiting till I lost weight to write it! Thanks!
Some small good can come from exercise as the Bible but it is far more profitable to exercise spiritually. I think this post can pass if taken in a very small sense of time and attention. Anything other than that is a feel good this world church. This kind of subject matter should be taken up with a close friend or relative not the whole church. The world we live in is about to get much more difficult to be a true follower of the lord. The law of the land is corrupted and has become an instrument of power which will be used against us.
This is a valid concern and kudos to you for addressing it, especially in light of the fact that you struggled with the same. One quick plug for a specific way to overcome this issue, and in more ways than 1 - over a year ago I switched over to a basically carnivore way of eating. No sugar, no grains and no plant based foods. I dropped 40# within 90 days. A few weeks ago, I did the life-line screening and low & behold, everything was in the window. Blood sugar, T (upper window), triglycerides, etc... saturated fats are essential and healthy in the human diet. Most importantly, I feel better than I have in years, I think more clearly and I'm on a more emotionally even keel than I've been in decades. All this with some of the most tumultuous events in my life occurring in the past 6 months. If you struggle with weight and health issues, I can't recommend this more vehemently. The simplicity is staggering. Look up Dr. Ken Berry on YouTube, and Kelly Hogan.
Jack, thanks for writing this. I know it wasn't easy to write this given the backlash it was inevitably going to cause. I have struggled with my weight and emotional eating almost all my life and I thought this piece was balanced and fair on the whole.
Although, I know many "overweight" preachers who fight in the trenches for the faith and many "fit" preachers who have endlessly compromised God's Word with the culture. So, just anecdotally, I struggle to see the connection with the Low T/overweight preacher problem and soundness... but I also understand that data is data and you acknowledged that it's not necessarily the case that fitness = virtue.
In my own life, I have benefitted greatly from exercise and diet. The discipline gained from these two areas have definitely bled into the rest of my life, spiritually and otherwise. I think the words of Socrates on this topic are illuminating and relevant: https://quotecollectorsclub.com/socrates-quotes-fitness/
Hi Jack, excellent article in both info an balance. The points you make are certainly valid and should be considered carefully by all readers, regardless of body shape. I've been preaching full time for 44 years and have seen several cases of "self-discipline problems" in the ministry. As you noted, Paul's epistles to young preachers do, indeed, call for self-discipline. Since "self-control" is part of the fruit of the spirit, there should certainly be a lot of consideration given to that trait in the men we hire. I praise God for your honesty here and your courage to tackle a challenging subject in a straightforward manner. -Ray Wallace, Bayfield, CO (I'd love to meet for lunch when I'm in the Dallas area.)
So proud of you Jack! We in the south sure like our potluck’s . We are just so blessed with food choices. It’s rising to an entertainment level at times!
Brother Wilkie, Thanks for speaking the whispered discussion out loud.
Weight control has long been an issue among preachers. I didn't have an issue, as long as I was working a full-time (physical) job as well as preaching and teaching full-time. Such a situation can have its benefits, but over twenty years or so it has its downside too.
As we age, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the fit and vigor of our youth. Yet, if the pounds begin to pack on, there is a way to improve our health even while aging.
The bible doesn't, in my understanding, come right out and say it, however, the answer was integral to first-century working class people. The rich, as well as people in high government positions, tended to become overweight with their sedentary lifestyles and frequent banqueting.
Three points present themselves as important to bible preachers teachers and students, adequate and appropriate food conjoined with brisk physical activity and fasting.
Most people will agree with the first couple of topics but will balk at the last one. I'm not saying everyone should go on a two-week or month long fast (even though it may prove beneficial to some). However, fasting is a natural part of life. We've probably all had moments of distress and adversity when the very thought of food was sickening. As the situation normalizes, our appetite returns and we are able to return to our normal diet.
Truth be known, we all fast every day. That's why the first meal of the day is called break-fast. When that fast is extended from your last meal the night before, till later the following day (say 15-18 hours), that's called intermittent fasting. Such fasting gives the body time to rest and regenerate, and helps to overcome many of our health issues.
What happened to me? first off, I was able to get rid of that spare tire that had been plaguing me for years. I shed over thirty pounds in a couple of months. I'm lighter and more agile and I feel much better. I started by fasting 15-18 hours twice a week and then (when the scale indicated progress) I decided to fast every day.
Finally the spiritual benefits are also to be had. In times of repentance, time was dedicated to prayer and fasting. When Paul and Barnabas were sent out to evangelize the nations there was prayer and fasting. Appointing elders was a serious time of reflection on their pivotal roles, in regard to the maturation of the church.
This is not to say there are also times when feasting is appropriate. We should weep with those who mourn, but we should also rejoice with those who rejoice.
Thanks for this article. Gives much to consider. I've always wondered why the subject of gluttony was never preached. We dance around that sin and focus on so many others.
Preach on! People do not want to admit that our physical state impacts all facets of our being. The chemical onslaught (by design IMO) is turning us into drones and lesser people. The research is available - start with a documentary "The Disappearing Male" - to learn how we are being chemically manipulated. Don't even get me started on mRNA technology! Political elites have satanic agendas: they have no qualms about poisoning our media, minds, food, water, entertainment, household products... I fear we've turned food into an idol even without their help. I don't attend potlucks anymore because I leave hungry (low sugar, gluten free) and there is no emphasis on relationship : it's become "pig out, clean up quickly and leave asap".
Great Article! I appreciate you speaking hard truth knowing the blowback you're almost certain to get. And I really appreciate you waiting till I lost weight to write it! Thanks!
Some small good can come from exercise as the Bible but it is far more profitable to exercise spiritually. I think this post can pass if taken in a very small sense of time and attention. Anything other than that is a feel good this world church. This kind of subject matter should be taken up with a close friend or relative not the whole church. The world we live in is about to get much more difficult to be a true follower of the lord. The law of the land is corrupted and has become an instrument of power which will be used against us.