My body doesn’t know what’s good for me. If I obeyed every craving and hunger pang, I would weigh 500 pounds. I would eat an entire cake, roll over, take a nap, and wake up to eat another cake. These desires are not logical, healthy, or wise.

Fortunately, I don’t have to do everything my body tells me to do. I have a brain that understands the dangers in following my physical whims. Although the warm sun feels good on my skin, I shouldn’t lay in it and bake. Although it may be fun and exciting to bet my money on a game, I shouldn’t risk money that I need for rent. Although I might be flattered by attention from someone who is not my spouse, I would lose all the trust in my relationship by indulging my ego.

Even though I know the right thing to do, my body can be pretty persuasive. Just saying no can be challenging because yes is easy and feels so good.

Currently, I’m trying to forego processed sugar. At least for a few months while I get a handle on my sugar cravings. I am two weeks in, and my body has let me know how unhappy it is with the situation. But my brain knows I’m doing the right thing.

I have found that the best way is not to just limit sugar but cut it out entirely. If I allow any sugar, my body just screams for more. If I allow some, why not just a little more? But if I always say no, my body will eventually stop asking. Or at least stop demanding.

“Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭24,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Sugar is not the same as sin, but my body craves all kinds of things, many of which are sins. Gossip. Lying. Sloth. Hatred. Apathy. Selfish indulgences of all kinds. If I allow any of the things that draw me away from God, anything that is counter to His character, I will only want more. Sin begets sin in a similar way that sugar begets sugar.

Fortunately, God has provided freedom from the cycle of sin. His Spirit dwells in me as His follower giving me strength to say no to my body. And importantly, forgiveness when I fail.

I am no longer trapped by my selfish and unhealthy desires if I consistently say no to them, “crucify” them, and make room in my life for good things instead. Good things like love, peace, joy, kindness, patience, self-control… Or in the case of my sugar cravings, when I fill up with good things like salads and balanced meals, there is less room for sugar.

Dear God, thank you for my healthy body that is often trustworthy. Thank you also for the realization that just as often my body does not want the right things. Teach me your ways and fill me with your Spirit so I know the difference and have the strength to say no to the bad but yes to all your goodness.