Elephants and Intoxicants

     The Nazarene denomination is a product of what was known as the Holiness movement. Several other denominations (Wesleyan, Methodist, Missionary Church, Salvation Army, and Church of God to name just a few) are a result of this same movement. The drive behind it is the belief that God desires to both forgive you for the sin in your life and empower you for an entirely new way of life through the indwelling of His Spirit.

     Within our particular denomination we have something called the “Covenant of Christian Conduct”. The intention behind the document (as I understand it) is to provide members of our churches with some examples of how the concept of Holiness translates into the practical circumstances of their life. It is a collection of ways we have chosen to posture ourselves as a result of our communal convictions and an effort to keep us from being a stumbling block to others. Oddly enough, it has become one of the most widely debated and potentially controversial things within our denomination.

     One of the more discussed portions of the document deals with our (the church as a community we voluntarily become a part of) posture towards intoxicants. It addresses alcohol, tobacco, and drugs and outlines the fact that as members of this particular body we are choosing to avoid such things. Understanding that the roots of our denomination go back to ministry on Skid Row, that the spirit of the document has to do with providing an environment conducive to spiritual growth of those the church ministers to, and considering the time period in which these things were forming, it is a bit easier to understand where this posture has come from. However, what I’d like to address here is what is not included.

     I have a good friend of mine who, when talking about this particular portion of the document, always brings up a good point. The question he brings is how can we as a denomination posture ourselves in such a way towards these things and not address the elephant in the room? One cannot honestly address intoxicants or addiction, particularly in America, without addressing the choke hold obesity has on our nation. “A staggering 33% of American adults are obese and obesity-related deaths have climbed to more than 300,000 a year, second only to tobacco-related deaths.” (www.downtoearth.org) According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is now the number one health threat facing Americans. Another denomination sampled attendants of a church conference and found that 75% of those screened were significantly overweight. If we are to posture ourselves in ways that provide parameters for those among us who struggle with self control in areas of addiction, we cannot continue to ignore this particular area. We must address the whole or leave it unaddressed altogether.

     Personally, I never had a problem with weight until I turned 30. In fact, I couldn’t put on weight even when I tried. However, I have gained 5 lbs every year since turning 30. Some of that weight has been good, but I have felt myself beginning a slippery slope towards apathy and obesity. How can I, particularly as a pastor, lead people into freedom in all areas of their life if I cannot live it in all areas of my own? So I have changed the way I eat. Since adopting a very simple formula a friend of mine told me about I have dropped five pounds of fat and feel great. His way is not the only way. My wife finds Weight Watcher points to be an easier method of tracking what she fuels her body with. The point is not a particular diet. The point is will we choose to address this issue, one that is more pervasive and permissive in our midst than arguably any other, or will we continue to pick and choose the addictions we address?

p.s. If you struggle with this issue, you are not alone. Find someone you trust and ask them to keep you accountable. The enemy would love nothing more than to keep you isolated and vulnerable. Freedom begins by being honest with ourselves and then being strong enough to be vulnerable with others. If you’re not sure where to start, try my friends formula: 1 gram of protein per 1 pound of lean mass per day, then eat clean (good carbs and healthy fats in moderation). That means, if you’re 185 lbs but probably 175 lbs of lean mass, then you need to shoot for 175 grams of carbs per day. Exercise, run, do pull ups, push ups, jog in place. It will make a difference in your life….but you’re the only one who can choose it.