I'm studying the book of Romans. Paul's critics said that salvation by faith would lead people to live sinful, self-absorbed lives, relying that in the end, God would save them anyway. In chapter 6, Paul uses two word pictures to show that God's plan for salvation leads to a life of holiness. It's a rich chapter! Near the end are these words: "What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life."

The word "benefit" caught my attention. Paul's use is clear. People think they benefit from sin, but it is killing them. By contrast, the benefit of following God is life.

There is a striking parallel to health and the BTD! Ask yourself "What benefit do you reap when you eat avoid foods?" They taste good for a few moments, but they are dragging down your health. The next day you are ashamed of yourself. You feel the results in your joints or digestive system. You see the results on your scale. The results are not good!

Sometimes the BTD seems like a hard lifestyle to follow. I am bound to the food lists. But as I aim for beneficial food, the benefit to me is good health and a better quality of life.

The physical and spiritual worlds parallel each other in many ways.

It is most important to follow Jesus Christ, and be assured of eternal life.

Of secondary importance, following the BTD will set you free from many of the complaints that plague your health.

The benefit is enormous!