Photo creditPlease note: I want to express my heart from the outset of this post to assure my readers that these are musings that the Lord has been working in my heart lately, and I felt compelled to share them with you. I in no way desire to condemn anyone, but my motivation in sharing is to challenge us all to guard our hearts in this matter.
I recently encountered two stories that have challenged me in the motivation and out workings of my pursuit of natural living. The first account began with a friend desiring to throw a baby shower for an expectant mother in her church. This friend was expecting her first little one. The hostess simply wanted to bless and encourage this new mother in her pursuit. When she asked for gift ideas, the new mother stated that she only wanted organic baby clothing, wooden natural toys, organic cloth diapers, and the like. Half of the guests could not afford these products. One lady missed the memo and came with a few plastic toys.
How do you think this made her hostess and guests feel?
The second account took place when I heard a couple share that they had not been tithing for several months and wanted to begin again. They had not been able to afford it. I knew that this family ate all organic and natural foods. This appeared like it could not be sacrificed.
What is more important?
I have had conversations with friends or family members on various occasions when I tried to persuade them of the health consequences or benefits of a certain product. What has resulted? Relationships have been hurt. I have left others feeling condemned or inadequate. Or at a shared meal gathering, when another mom instructs her son not to eat that food item because “it’s not food”, relationships are damaged because we exalt food over fellowship.
Do I consider myself superior to others because we have adopted a more natural lifestyle?
In the past I have skimped on hospitality because I did not want to spend the money to buy good quality food for my guests or when bringing a meal to another. I made the excuse that I couldn’t afford it. In all honesty, I wanted to keep the best of our budget for my family. This is not true generosity. True generosity takes place when I joyfully give the best that I can following the Scriptural command to do unto others as you would have them do to you (Matt. 7:12).
Where is my heart?
The apostle John’s last words in 1 John are, “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts (1 John 5:21).” These last words are significant…He wants them to be remembered.
How often do I turn a good thing into a god thing?
As Tim Keller states in Counterfeit Gods, “Most people know you can make a god out of money. Most people know you can make a god out of sex. However, anything in life can serve as an idol, a God-alternative, a counterfeit god…What is an idol? It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.”
Natural living can become an idol when we willingly give our emotional and financial resources to achieve it.
Natural living can become an idol when we think that it can give us significance, security, safety and fulfillment.
Natural living can become an idol when we hoard the benefits and not freely offer it to others.
What is my motivation for eating healthy and living naturally? Because I have desired to be a good steward of creation and for the health and wholeness of our family.
Can preserving the safety of my family become an idol in my life? Yes!
When I give my money first towards the purchase of good healthy food prior to giving it back to the Lord in my worship of tithe, natural living has gone too far. When I am more concerned about the safety of my family to the extent that I sacrifice relationships, the service of my brothers and sisters, than natural living has become an idol.
Eating healthy will not guarantee my family a more peaceful longer life. It will not add a single day to my life than God has already determined. Only God knows the number of my days. (Psalms 139:16) He calls me to be faithful to care for my physical body, and this includes being wise in what I put into my body, knowing that it will affect my ability to serve the Lord; but when I raise that to a god-level, it is no longer a good thing. My security must only be found in Christ. He controls my family’s health and wellness.
Eating healthy and living naturally does not make me any more honorable in God’s eyes than any other. We are all in equal standing before Him.
Our first fruit of income should always go to tithe and not food. (Lev. 23:10; Numbers 28:26). Where your money is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:19-21) If I put more money towards my health and wholeness before God and giving unto others, than that is where my treasure lies. It will burn up at the end.
Unity in the body is more important than the safety of our family. (Rom. 14:1-3; Psalms 133)
God calls me to be generous, not to hoard the good stuff for myself. Am I only concerned about my health and not the well-being of my friends, family, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? God loves a cheerful giver. I am challenged to serve the best to my guests as I possibly can. The more you give the less hold it has on your heart. (2 Cor. 8:9)
I have seen and confess to these evidences of idolatry in my heart. Am I implying that organic food, clothing, or wooden toys are bad? In no way. It is a matter of the heart. What is my motivation? Is that a God-glorifying motivation? My challenge to you all…let’s not raise being a good steward to a god position. Let’s not make others feel guilty, discouraged, or overwhelmed because they cannot afford the natural lifestyle or only in part. It’s about relationships. Let’s keep God first, love one another, and pursue giving generously to one another as we are able. Jesus commanded in Luke 10:27 states, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” I hope you understand my heart in communicating this message. There is no condemnation here. This is just a challenge to go further up and further in in our pursuit of Christ Jesus with me.
“Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them.” - Romans 14:1-3
What a great post! I really enjoyed reading it, and the best part was the sciptures you provided. Luke 10:27 is actually the header for my blog. I think you did a wonderful job on this post!!!!
Thanks you SO much for sharing this! What a great reminder!
You bring up so many good points. Thank you for sharing your heart. I know we could do more natural things than we already do, but I have tried to find a balance. While I do use cloth diapers, cloth napkins, breastfeed, grow as much organic produce as possible there are some things that I financially haven’t been able to do. I have made peace with what we can’t do and have been thankful for what we can do. I never want to offend people with comments about natural things, but I am sure I have. You have given me some things to ponder. I don’t comment often, but I want to encourage you because I think you are a strong witness.
AMEN to this post!! I recently was going through the same exact situation. With healthy eating choices/excerising. The Lord put it on my heart he gave us food to enjoy. I shouldnt be overly concerned about the resource. God is in control of our health, not us! As much as we eat correctly + excerise it is the Lords hand that gives + takes away!
I really needed to hear this. Thank you.
There are alot of kudos in the comments…and I will add one more. Thank you for staying true to the word, and “confessing to one another” You have a beautiful and strong ministry…stay the course friend.
Excellent reminder, Lindsay. It is so easy to become unbalanced… especially when our initial intentions were good. This is something I have struggled with, and God continues to challenge me to make HIM my priority!
Thank you for sharing this with us. As an older mom and new grandma, I’m learning that relationships are so much more important than what we put into our mouths. I didn’t raise my girls the natural way and my two sons-in-law weren’t raised that way either, so when they are at my house to eat, I try to give them what I know they will like and still keep true to my new way of eating. Most of the time I must compromise, and you know what? That’s okay. I would rather they enjoyed their time here rather than dread coming to my house because I refuse to “give in” to the way they like to eat. I have gently shared some things I’ve learned about healthy eating but it’s something they must decide for themselves. I will never be able to fully embrace complete natural eating (organic, grass-fed, etc.) but I can do the best I can with the resources God provides and trust Him for the rest. Great post.
EXCELLENT post, Lindsay. Thank you for your transparency. You are so right on here and I think we can all relate in one way or another. It is so easy for something good to be turned into sin if we’re not going at it with a Godly heart.
God bless you for your honesty and balance.
I have greatly enjoyed your site the past couple of months. Thanks!
What a wonderful post Lindsay! You are such a good person. Down deep into your soul! God is speaking through you to all of us! I thank you!
At some point in your life when you have more time on your hands, you should definitely think about becoming a minister! Although you already have a large “ministry” (to us).
I have been caught up in this myself and I do love the entire message you have given us!
Thank you!
This is a verry interresting topic of discussion and one I wonder over personally…I’m going to share a few of my thoughts on it, because i rarely get the chance to discuss it with like-minded people…(and look forward to hearing other’s thoughts)
My mom (who is very health-conscious) used to say that white bread/rice had NO nutritional value. I used to remind her that there are people in the world who LIVE on white rice alone (so there must be “something” in it)…now I aim to eat 100% organic/whole foods myself, so I do see the value, but i often question my motives. (and the benefits as my kids were sick for nearly 2 months straight this winter and we saw generic syntheic vitamins make a huge difference following repeated sickness! …i know, i couldn’t believe it!)
Questioning yourself is tricky too, because it can also work the OTHER way, where you talk yourself OUT of the importance of doing what you know to be best/right, just to save more money to spend on other things! I like the verse where Jesus says “to whom much is given much is required”. I think when you have the “choice” it’s harder than when you are ignorant or in a situation where you have no “choice” (i’m thinking of the people who ARE living on a bowl of rice a day!)
An issue that is constantly on my mind is that of the conditions of the workers who PRODUCE what we eat/wear/use… Fair Trade or buying local is “a” remedy. It takes more work (to find the products) and costs more money. There is the verse (in the gospels) where God says that the wages you witheld from the workers will testify against you. This is one area you haven’t really delved into as you focus more on environment and health. To me the WAY in which a product is made and price is set is even MORE important. This is where my dilemma lies, because buying my organic groceries might cost say 30% more but buying organic/fair-trade coton clothes, especially for growing kids, (coton is more poluting that all other agriculture and the workers have VERY high cancer rates) costs easily 50% more (and shoes that aren’t made in sweatshops are even more!)
This brings me to the tithing issue. I do not believe that there is ANY New Covenant instruction to “tithe”. We are told to give according to our means, to set aside an amount that will be collected, to give to the needy, and to share in the physical needs of those who have nourished us spiritually…beyond that I don’t see any 10% command. Realisticly it should probably more than that… but i have been wondering for some time if being committed to first paying a “fair” price to meet our families needs is not a higher priority than “giving” a set amount to said church or charity. We sponsor a child, her parents both work in the fields in Burkina Faso. Maybe if they were payed fair wages for their labor (if northerners payed fair prices for their products) she wouldn’t need sponsored, do you see what I mean? I feel as a Christian that since doing what is “right” is my first obligation, it is not in competition with charitable giving but equally as important. I do question myself on this too, though as I have always practiced tithing (raised with that value) and seen God continuously provide for all my “needs” even when it didn’t (hardly ever!) work out on paper!
Jesus addressed the tithe in Luke 11:42- “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.” Jesus said, practice justice & love without neglecting the tithe (tenth). It is God’s design for taking care of his house & it is also a promise of his blessing if we will be obedient (Malachi 3:10) As you have seen yourself, and we & countless others have experienced, putting God first in our finances does bring blessing!
thank you for the very pertinent insight. I guess i never picked up on that verse before! I’m not sure about the full implication (..thinking Jesus also said that he came “not to abolish the law but to fulfill it” can leave lots of questions concerning what parts of the “law” still apply or don’t…) but definitely gives food for thought. Thank you.
Well said Jessica! So important for Christians to think of OTHERS/ENVIRONMENT/ANIMALS/U.S.A. when making a purchase.
Thank you, sister.
I have had the words, “This world is not our home,” playing in the back of my head lately. Someone wrote the words in response to my natural living practices. While she meant it to hurt me and exalt herself, I have been using it for my betterment; using it as a reminder to maintain the balance between my earthly and eternal home.
I needed your words today as I pursue a proper balance my heart and in my mind.
Thanks for the wonderful post! I have used your site for lots of information, from cloth diapers to healthy foods, and I appreciate all of the information, but I really appreciate this post because I have been trying to guard against alienating friends/family with my greener choices. The last thing I want to do is make others feel hurt or somehow inadequate! Also, thanks for the Romans verse.
You are so real, and your love for the Lord just radiates through your writing. I love your honesty and how you opened up your heart. You are an amazing woman – and I do look up to you! This post was so perfect and I needed to hear it. I have struggled with not feeling like I am doing enough and have been comparing myself to others often. I do know that I am trying my best and doing the best I can with what we have been given. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Great post. My grandpa always said that “you can’t cheat death.” We can’t. We can do everything right and only eat organic and never make contact with plastics and while it might prolong the physicality or length of our lives, doing so comes at a cost, and you very eloquently summarized that cost. My husband and I do the best we can. We can’t afford to eat all organic or only buy organic products, but we make smart purchase decisions based on our resources. We’ve met people over the years who’ve thought less of us or been less friendly toward us because we’re not “all in” or on extreme special diets and workout regimens. It hurts, but we’re determined to live by an achievable standard that doesn’t shortchange our relationships and other goals that make life enjoyable for us.
Thank you for your vulnerability and gentle reminders of closely examining where our hearts are focused. I actually have been on the OTHER side of this, as I try my hardest – within our budget and the extra time I feel like I can expend – to feed our family natural, organic, homemade, and “real” food. But when I try to talk to others about it who are more “hardcore” in their approach, I’ve often been snubbed or derided because my kids still eat store-bought crackers.
The Lord of my heart is Jesus. Sometimes the best ways I feel I can honor Him are by implementing “simplifying,” or by changing our diets, or any other number of things. But the moment that my own identity as a bread-baking, cloth-diapering, babyfood-making, breastfeeding, organic-gardening, etc (whatever may be important to us) becomes MORE important than “I am a daughter of the KING!…who likes homemade things”, then it’s time to re-evaluate my priorities, focus, and where my time is going during the day.
Also, love your “further up and further in” – gotta love CS Lewis! My husband and I say that phrase often to encourage one another, in hard times as well as in joyful ones.
This was excellent! I have struggled with many of these same thoughts and feelings. I’ve finally settled on the position that we will do the best we can with what we’ve got and not constantly feel like “oh, there’s so much more we could be doing”. That was leading to discontent and discouragement. Also, I would feel overwhelmed by potluck dinners worrying about what we would eat. I had to “quit that job” and like you, focus on the fellowship, not food. Blessings, Sharon
Amen
That was a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing it. A couple of years ago, I was trying to lose weight. I became very consumed with the goal of losing weight. The Lord convicted me, not of wanting to lose weight, but that I had let it become an idol in my life. It’s so easy to do. Thanks for posting this!!!
Wow. Thank you for writing this post. I really appreciate the points you’ve made and your willingness to share.
Amen and Amen…beautifully written and your heart shines through! This is my desire too. Many times I can get so excited about natural living that I just want to share, share, share! A wonderful reminder to seek first the Lord so that I am not making others feel condemned but rather encouraged!
Thank you!
thanks for this post. You have it absolutely right! I have definately struggled with this in the past as well. It is so easy to be a hypocrite. We must remember the most important thing-Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Thank you for this excellent post!
I am provoked by your thoughts and convicted that I have often kept the best for my family, rather than sharing it generously. I’m reminded of the verse that says “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” Prov 11:24 NIV
I look forward to how God will help me change in this area throughout this year.
What an excellent reminder and thank you for having the courage to voice what the Lord put on your heart.
thank you so much for this article and your honesty in writing it…this has been on my heart too a lot lately
Preach on, sister! This is the best post I’ve read in a very long time. I actually stopped blogging (except for updates on my pregnancy for far-away friends and family) because I felt the same conviction you do. I was feeling anxious and overwhelmed and caught in the trap of feeling like everything was “bad” and definitely turning some people off in the process. So all I can say is Amen! Amen! Amen! and Give the girl a pulpit! =)
this is a MUCH needed post, as it is easy to be critical and judge others, even when you dont mean to! I also think it is really important to still be thankful or communicate the need of a local shelter or church for funds that would buy something for ones family that they may not use or need, in lieu of this purchase (from loving family members) mention the needs around you. Secondly, i can remember walking away from some mothering groups because it became a contest to see who was or could be the “crunchiest”, no good. great insight, thanks!
Girl, I hear ya. Thank you for being honest. I have been struggling with this issue for months. I try to keep my family’s food choices to myself unless directly asked (we eat as close to WAPF as feasible). I’ve decided that when we’re at a friend’s house or a church function the fellowship/friendship is more important than that ONE meal. It bothers me to hear my young children say things like, “Those have MSG.” I know it’s a reflection of my judgemental attitude.
It’s yet another form of legalism. I think it demonstrates my lack of trust in Him. God made our bodies, for crying out loud–He knows what they need. Do I believe He has the power to sustain me if I was eating dirt alone? Absolutely. My life is in His hands. Eating perfectly would not change that fact.
This was so good. Thank you, Lindsay!
Thank you so much for exposing your own heart by sharing that with us. I am guilty of the same things as well since we started our journey to healthier living nearly 6 years ago. Thank the Lord that He has been working in my heart on these matters over time too. I pray He will continue to mold and shape me to be more like Him in all areas of my life.
Very good post. It is so true. As a mom that has been recently caught up in the whole becoming natural thing I started to feel a little convicted about how much my Focus had turned off the Lord. Thanks
I am new to your site, as of yesterday, and new to the whole fermenting process. I did notice that I was sort of being judged by people who were doing these things already. You echoed my conversation that I had with my husband just this morning. Thank you for putting it so kindly and truthfully.
While I agree with most of your post, I wanted to address the first scenario (baby shower). When I became pregnant with my youngest (now 9 mo old) I REALLY hoped nobody would want to throw me a shower because we did not want or need “normal” baby gifts! We have 2 other daughters and I kept the baby “gear” that I felt would be useful with another baby. We live in a very small house so we don’t have room for things we aren’t using. And I don’t like money to go to waste at all!! When hubby “warned” me that some of the women from his office & our church (he works for a church entity so there’s overlap) were planning a surprise shower, I was very disturbed, it bothers me greatly that our society thinks the only way to bless someone is with material things even if they don’t need those things and those giving them can’t afford it. I decided at that point that we would see if there was a local womens shelter that could use the items (including disposable diapers) that we wouldn’t use, but when the opportunity presented itself, thru facebook, to innocently mention that I don’t like surprise parties (which is true), I did so, in the hopes that the hostess would see it & change her plans. It worked, the next day when I saw her at another church function she asked me about it, and told me they were planning a shower. At that point I expressed to her my concerns, of not NEEDING anything for this baby, and the only “wants” we had were expensive, online items that weren’t likely to be in the budget (or technical know-how) of our small church of mostly older people. I told her I didn’t want to be ungrateful but I also didn’t want them spending their money on things we didn’t need and wouldn’t use. She came up with the idea of a book shower in which each person brought their favorite childhood book, or otherwise a children’s book they especially liked (some brought a book that had been their child’s favorite)it was a lovely shower, we got some GREAT books, some used, because they were older, out-of-print books, one woman even talked to the library and they were able to photocopy an out-of-print (and old enough to no longer be under copywrite) book and laminate and comb bind it. This was a special shower that we enjoyed (and my older girls did too), without me having to accept things we didn’t want/need in the name of “letting others bless us”. A couple years ago when a friend & I wanted to celebrate a mutual friend’s coming 5th baby we knew she had the same issue of not needing anything, and preferring natural products, etc. We asked everyone to bring a frozen meal (casserole, etc) so that she wouldn’t have to cook for the first while, this might not work if the family were insistent on only eating organics/natural . . . but in this case I knew that while she tried to use organic whole foods when cooking at home, they do eat out, etc and in that hectic new baby time, would be fine with having non-organic, convenience foods. . .I would love to see the Christian community develop something similar to the pagan “blessingway” that I’ve seen, focusing on truely blessing the family, not just giving “stuff” but at least in my cicles, that wouldn’t fly at this point.
What a sweet shower idea – a book shower! I need to remember that. I love celebrating with friends when they are expecting, and have offered to do “meal” showers, or even just a tea. But the book shower is unique, sweet, and useful!
When I found out that some ladies from Church wanted to have a shower for me, (in addition to another large shower I was already given) my mother-in-law suggested we have a “prayer shower”. This was such a blessing to me. We had lunch together and each woman shared some wisdom about mothering and then everyone prayed for me, the baby, the delivery and more. As everyone was praying I started to have contractions (I was exactly three weeks away from my due date) and I delivered a beautiful healthy girl less than 24 hours later. The Lord is good!
Thank you for sharing, but let me just clarify real quick. This woman was having her first child and therefore definitely needed clothing and diaper items. In the case of multiples, I heartily agree that other kinds of showers are far more appropriate. I recently had several friends have their 3+ child, and/or already had sufficient clothing, and opted for a book shower or freezer meals. Everyone totally understands and desires to bless them as they have the need. I think you approached your situation very graciously, and I don’t think anyone is going to come away feeling like you were arrogant. We want to serve folks as they have need. This attitude is very common in my circle of friends. With my shower for Titus, I included on the invitation that used items were totally welcome and encouraged. I received a wealth of used clothing and was totally blessed. Your dollar can get stretched so much further when you don’t buy the new clothing. I loved how everyone felt comfortable because they were able to give as they could afford. I am in no way implying that their are not other ways to give…that was not my point. This friend herself has also thrown these other kinds of showers as folks had need.
I recently went to a shower in which the mom really needed a dresser for her second child. The invitation stated that they would be having a money tree to help her purchase this. Also, most people give gift receipts so items can be returned. A lot of stores will even do a few exchanges without a receipt. Even packages of diapers can be taken back and exchanged. It really is about the heart attitude. Some people feel like they are “truly blessing the family” by giving “stuff”.
When I had my third I didn’t need clothes so I declined a shower but the church ladies insisted. So we decided to give the little baby things to the local crisis pregnancy center and if they wanted they could bring disposable diapers for us as well. It was fun to get together, celebrate the baby and help the crisis pregnancy center all at the same time! And we got diapers, which is the one thing we really needed with a third kid!
We moved to a new community a few weeks before our third child was due, and our new church wanted to throw us a shower. I felt so embarrassed because I didn’t need anything. There is a crisis pregnancy home on our church’s property and we had a diaper shower for them instead. So we got to have the party and a wonderful time for me to get to know some new friends, and I also made friends with the moms who live at the pregnancy center. It turned out to be such a huge blessing and I definitely recommend going ahead and having a shower for moms who’ve already got kids, but see if you can turn it around to give to others. It was such a happy day!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I know that I struggle with this also. When I find myself thinking more of food than I do of the Lord I know that I have made food an idol. I pray that I will find a balance!
Lindsey,
Thank you for sharing your heart with us. It is amazing how sometimes these idols can creep up into our lives without us even realizing us. I am so glad that I have a Savior who has redeemed my from my own deceptive heart. Have a great day and thank you for continuing to blog.
Great post Lindsey. This has been on my mind as well. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for posting this, Lindsay. We recently went through a time when we had to give up of our healthy food in favor of more conventional options. I can’t tell you how many panic attacks I had during that time. I was convinced that those few months of eating less than perfectly were going to destroy us. I had rooted much of my identity in the way we eat. It was not until I recognized that and began working to change it that God provided new resources for us. I have also accepted that I can’t do it all. I can’t afford to feed my family 100% organic, and that is ok. I have to do the best I can with what I have now.
Again, thank you for posting this. A lot of people look to blogs like yours for advice and inspiration in their journey toward a more natural lifestyle (especially if they are like me and everyone around them thinks they are nuts!), and it is good to see you honestly share your heart on this matter.
Amen!!! This is such a good reminder. Our hearts are so prone to creating idols out of good things, worshipping the gift over the Giver. Thank you for such a pertinent post.
I’d also like to add another “bullet” to your list. Living naturally should not trump my submission to my husband. My marriage and its well-being is more important than eating organic. I’d love for our grocery budget to be higher so I can buy more organic and locally grown food, but in order to respect and obey my husband, I need to make sacrifices in order to stay within the amount we’ve set. Being a submissive and respectful wife and protecting our marriage iare more important than raw milk or free range chicken!
Amen, Emily. I would love to pursue raw milk, but my husband is absolutely opposed to it…but he has no problem buying pastured beef from a local farmer, having a CSA share and paying a bit extra for organic milk, etc… so I simply don’t push that point and vow not to feel condemned when I read all about the benefits of raw milk. This is the husband the Lord has given me and I am so blessed. I will not add strife to our marriage over such a small thing. If we’re supposed to switch to raw milk, the Lord will change DH’s heart. Until then, I am content.
Excellent Emily & Erica! What a great (convicting) reminder! Guess I can let the issue of free range eggs, raw milk, and organic butter go for now…
Thank you so much for sharing this much needed post! I am very convicted as I all too easily slip into spending more than our budget allows for foods that are natural, organic, or “designer.” My husband reminds me that eating more healthy won’t do him a bit of good if he dies from a heart attack as a result of working so much to pay for it. There are ways to eat healthy without being sucked into a trend. Dried beans are always cheap
What a wonderful post! Our family has begun the journey of natural living and real food. We are truly enjoying it, and your blog has been extremely helpful in that pursuit. But lately I found myself pondering the exact same things you just voiced. I am not always good at balance, and it’s something I am working on. Thank you so much for this reminder that even good things can become an idol if they take a higher place than Christ in our lives. Again, your blog has been such a blessing to me!
Thanks for being so real and using such concrete examples! How desperately I need heart-checks about many areas in life that can become idols. Thanks for sticking your neck out on this one.
WOW!!!! I am so impressed! What a blessing to read such truths. I have also encountered this very problem in my self and in others in my circle of friends. In my efforts to try to live naturally it is very easy to come to a point of condemnation towards those who don’t see the importance and towards myself when I fall off the wagon. It can definately become an idol in my life. Thank you for your insight. Continue to be used and blessed!
I think this was a wonderful post. You have obviously been doing a lot of soul searching lately, and God is answering your heart. I think that is beautiful.
My husband and I often say, “We do this…but we’re not purists.” You have to have a balance. And you have to have the right heart. To say, *I* make sacrifices and *I* do all of this homemade and *I* have to wash cloth diapers and carry around some method to have cloth diapers when we go out and about and *I* do all of this because *I* want to know that *I* am doing ‘the best’ I can for my family — then it ceases to be about what is best for my family and more about *me*.
Reading the Real Food Faceoff on http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/, titus2mom, who seems to follow the same diet my family follows if I compare my answers for the faceoff with hers, convicted me with one of her answers. She said, “This is our diet..etc..etc..but when we’re guests in someone else’s home, we eat whatever is offered.” I immediately thought of a friend from church who invited us to dinner while my husband is home from Afghanistan. They asked if there was anything specific we disliked and we said, “We don’t eat pork.” He was immediately disappointed and his wife told me a roasted pork loin was his best company dish. I felt really bad and the next morning read the faceoff answers, so obviously God was working in my heart.
I hope that as you continue to seek, God continues to answer.
Hallee
love this post, thanks for sharing your heart.
sarah M
as I was reading through the comments, I have some great ideas for baby showers (I threw 3 in the past few months and I love doing that for people~!!)
One is a “cloth diaper shower” where people either give money to a jar for cloth diapers, or everyone just buys one…since they are expensive, this is such a blessing for the new mom!
Another idea is one I threw where instead of games, I set out little fabric scraps (with iron on adhesive already ironed on) and tons of plain baby onesies and pants. People could decorate lots of new clothign for the mom, it was fun for a bunch of women to do, used all my fabric scraps up in a great way, and gave the new mom tons of clothing for her little one! It was a big hit!
I LOVE the idea of a freezer meal shower, though!!
Sarah M
Great post! I totally agree!
I was actually thinking about this a lot yesterday. I live in Maine and it’s definitely “the thing” here to live naturally and pursue organic products. Unfortunately, it’s often used as a status symbol (“Look at how moral and righteous I am because everything I do is totally natural!”) instead of a pure attempt to live healthier/be better stewards of earth. I’ve definitely been trying to move our family in a more green direction (your blog has encouraged me a lot in this! thank you!), but I do find that if unchecked, my pride and idolatry can creep into my health pursuits. Like you said, this is all a matter of the heart. God has to come first, He must increase and I must decrease!
Wow. I really enjoyed this post. It’s crazy how something like this can take over your life, especially now when “going green” is in.
I’ll admit I’ve done the same thing about having people over. I’m like that gallon of milk was $6! YIKES. It’s funny how we can be.
Very well stated, thank you! You have given us all a lot to consider…
Thank you SO much. I REALLY needed to read this:)
Wow Linsay – thank you so much for writing this!
I too struggled with the same issues a few years ago when my children were younger, and in the end i found my pursuit of natural health and natural living was causing division, strife and hurt feelings in my family, not to mention financial strain and plenty of anxiety as i could not afford the things I wanted to buy for my family, and thus felt awful for feeding them less than an all organic diet.
I can safely say now that we eat as healthily as our budget allows, and praise and believe God that He will bless that food to our body as it is He alone that sustains us!
Thank you for your inspirational blog, it has been such a source of hope and encouragement to me.
LH