Fad Diets and Christianity

At the age of 18, this writer entered college weighing two-hundred and fifty pounds. He left college weighing one-hundred eighty pounds and currently resides somewhere between the two. Working at a pharmacy since high school, he was asked by many individuals, “Which of your products did you use to lose weight?” Pausing for only a moment I would ask, “Products?” “Yes, in the weight loss section. Which one did you use?” I gave the only response I could, “Water, portion control, and exercise. It’s the best and healthiest way to lose weight.” I would always here, “Oh. I don’t want to do it that way. I’ll look at the weight loss section to see what I want.” I quickly found that individuals will choose a quick, fad diet over one which takes more time but in the end is a healthier choice. I have even read of the extremes individuals go in order to quickly lose weight. In fact, in recent history, some would ingest tape worms in order to quickly lose weight. Sadly, some of those lost more than weight as the body reacted to the loss of nutrients found in the food we eat. Fad diets are often found to be unhealthy.

Keeping that in mind, there are many living today who would rather choose “Fad Christianity” rather than what God has prescribed. These individuals look for what they want (worship, salvation, and so on) and what feels comfortable to them, when in reality God’s way is the best way. “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” (Jeremiah 6:16). The children of Israel were given a picture of one traveling a path when he happens upon multiple forks in the road. He waits out of fear of taking the wrong path until he comes across another traveler. This traveler points this individual down the right path to his destination and he is able to rest after such a lengthy trip. God was encouraging the nation of Israel to look to their forefathers (Moses, Joshua, and so on) who would show them the proper paths to righteousness. Today, one looks no further to Christ and the prescribed method to become a member of His church. If only men today would seek the examples of conversion: Belief (Acts 2:37; 16:30-31), Repentance (Acts 2:38; 3:19), Confession of Christ (Acts 8:37), and Baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38,41,47; 22:16). If only the examples of worship which are found in the New Testament were followed. Sadly, much like the Israelites who did not want to follow after their forefathers but after the false prophets of their day, there are many who will not follow after the commandments of Christ but would rather follow after their own wanting. It led to the Israelites going into captivity and cost many their souls. “Fad Christianity” will lead many down the broad path to destruction (Matthew 7:13).