In a recently released study, Google highlighted an unlikely leader in the health-food craze: turmeric. A ginger-like spice native to India, turmeric has recently captured the attention of Americans looking to capitalize on the spice’s many health benefits. According to Google, Americans increased their searches for turmeric over fifty-six percent between November 2015 and January 2016. In their desire to cure ailments from arthritis to depression, lung disease to acne, it seems that everybody is turning to the Internet to figure out how to put a little more turmeric in their diet.
So why shouldn’t you?
Well, to be honest, you should. Turmeric has been seen as a spice with a whole host of medicinal benefits for over 4,000 years. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, many of these benefits, including preventing heart disease, stomach ulcers, and neurodegenerative conditions, are starting to prove true in lab studies. Not to mention, turmeric’s fantastic flavor makes it a wonderful addition to a morning smoothie or Asian stir-fry. My personal favorite use of the spice is in a dry rub for a pork shoulder.
But that’s not the point.
Americans are increasingly worrying about what goes in to their bodies. Turmeric is the latest craze, but Americans have been fascinated by fad diets since the low-carb diet was invented in 1863. While these fads may help us in the short term, we must not forsake the long-term for the short.
Our body is a temple to the Holy Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). We have been called to steward it well. Paul told a young Timothy, after all, “for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8). Tumeric is of some value, but a mindset that believes tumeric to be the end all, be all, of our health does not end well.
Jesus warns his followers not to, “seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you” (Luke 12:29–31).
In today’s world, Fitbits count our steps, health apps measure our calories, and Facebook informs us when other people run. All of these streams of information can bring about a flood of worry. But as Martin Luther said, “Don’t worry, pray and let God worry.”
God wants us to turn to him. As our father, he desires our hearts and our attention. Jesus tells us that as children of God, we are meant to seek God first, and our Father will take care of our needs. If the average American father desires to feed his children, how much more does the perfect Father desire to feed his own?
God desires to bless you. All he asks it that you seek him. And remember, every time you eat of this bread, and drink of this juice—whether it includes tumeric or not—do this in remembrance of him.
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