"'Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then examine our appearance and the appearance of the young men who are eating the king’s food, and deal with your servants based on what you see.' He agreed with them in this matter and tested them for 10 days. At the end of 10 days they looked better and healthier than all the young men who were eating the king’s food." -Daniel 1:12-15
God created food to sustain life, prevent disease, and facilitate healing. Food choices can affect one’s mood, mental focus, physical performance, weight, immune system, and decision making. Today we have more information regarding eating than ever before. To compete at our best, we must know exactly what to eat and when to eat it.
Daniel knew what to eat and when to eat it. He knew that the first portion of food from King Nebuchadnezzar’s table was offered to idols and unacceptable to eat. He was determined not to put anything into his body that would dishonor God; so he, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood by their convictions eating only vegetables and drinking only water. God blessed their decision.
As competitors for Christ, we are called to be good stewards of all He has given us. The FCA Competitor’s Creed states: “My body is the temple of Jesus Christ. I protect it from within and without. Nothing enters my body that does not honor the Living God.”
Each one of us should commit to honoring God through what we eat. Our performance on the field will certainly improve!
1. How often do you eat foods that give you little nutrition?
2. Does your nutrition plan make you “healthier and better nourished” than other athletes?
3. What can you do to get your health back on track?
1 Corinthians 10:31
Lord, I commit to honoring You through what I eat. Give me the wisdom to eat foods that lead to good health, high energy levels and peak performances. Amen.
