Counsel #27 — Holy Model

Picture: Counsel #27 — Holy ModelCWe 145.1

Can you imagine going for days without food? What about one day? Most of us couldn’t even fathom getting through a few hours without eating, but Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness while being tempted by Satan!CWe 145.2

Of course, God isn’t expecting you to go 40 days without food, but He is expecting you to be master over your appetite instead of letting your appetite master you. The same self-control Jesus displayed in the wilderness is the same self-control we should strive to emulate in our daily lives, especially when it comes to unhealthy cravings and overeating. Even back in biblical times, Satan attempted to get Jesus to put His physical hunger above His spiritual purpose, and his methods still haven’t changed today! While food is good and it’s necessary for fueling your body, it shouldn’t control your emotions or decisions. If you struggle with food, think back on Jesus in the wilderness. If He could fast for 40 days through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we can rely on that same Spirit to help us learn to eat wisely, fast when needed, and rely on God instead of our cravings.^{[181] https://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/articles/temptation-of-jesus-matthew-4-1} CWe 145.3

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 NIVCWe 145.4

“He was shut in by the Father’s glory. Absorbed in communion with God, He was lifted above human weakness.” Ellen White in Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 185CWe 145.5

Reflect: Have you ever asked the Holy Spirit to empower your decision-making over your eating choices?CWe 145.6