The topic of gluttony as a sin is most likely not a popular subject this time of year. Well, I guess after sitting in pews for most of my life and not hearing much about it, I suppose it is not a favorite subject to talk about at all. So let's talk about it. Why am I writing an entire blog on the topic of gluttony as sin? Not because I want to shame Christians for over indulging themselves during the holidays. Not because there is a rising problem of obesity in our society. And not because I have an overweight friend that I want to talk to through my blog.
I, just like many of you love to eat. It is a passion, a reward, a relaxing treat to your body. What is more satisfying than having something mouth watering off the grill after a long stressful week. How about a bowl….I mean a carton of ice cream after being upset about something going on your life that you just can't shake. The ice cream fills our stomach, but does it fill our soul? Why is gluttony so wrong? Why should Christians be aware of the harm that it causes in their life? Because it can affect your spiritual life as well.
How does eating a carton of ice cream hurt your spiritual life? Is this guy crazy? Let me tie everything together for you. Take a look at these verses before I dig into the issue.
Proverbs 23:20-21 NASB “Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.”
Proverbs 28:7 NASB “He who keeps the law is a discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.”
Proverbs 23:2 NASB And put a knife to your throat If you are a man of great appetite.
How does gluttony as sin disconnect us from God?
Gluttony as sin divides us from God in several ways. First, it puts our hope and satisfaction in food instead of God if we are eating our stress away. We turn to food rather than to scriptures to work through our problems. Food is now our coping mechanism instead of God. We lose self-control. Food is now in control of our mind and in control of our body, what could go wrong? If we are stressed, depressed, weak or just plain give up, how is food going to work on your problems? I would first suggest to any believer struggling with gluttony, turn to the Bible first. Work on your problems with God, not with food.
As someone that has always struggled with indulging in food, I do understand what you are going through. I might not understand your particular problem, but I do know how the devil can put a cake in front of your Bible and how we eat the cake before opening up in the word. For me, I feel like a complete fool after taking the cake. It is always probably going to be a struggle, but it is one that I am aware of. Just being conscious of your struggle is half the battle. Ignoring conflicts or not identifying them in our lives does not get us closer to God, it pushes us away.
If you are struggling with gluttony, turn to the word instead of food. Be intentional about what you are doing, and God will start to work in your life. Trust me the Bible will do more for you than the treadmill ever will.