Is the Sin of Gluttony Really That Serious?

Gluttony is excess eating or drinking as well as greedy or excessive indulgence. It shows itself as extra weight on the body. Extra weight on the body means less energy. This is the biggest problem with the sin of gluttony. It slows you down from the good you could do. You simply don’t have the energy.

No diet in the world can help me to lose weight and keep the weight off unless I first change my thinking. I need to stop eating too much for the wrong reasons. The first step in any healthy eating plan should be to think about why I gained weight in the first place. Did I eat when I was sad? Did I eat when I was bored? The best reason to eat is because my stomach is empty and I need energy.

Eating for the wrong reasons and overindulgence slows me down. I feel empty so I eat. But those efforts are futile because a little indulgence isn’t enough. I still feel empty. So, I go back for more. 

“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!” (Haggai 1:5-6)

You might just be looking for excitement and/or comfort in your indulgences of food and drink. This is the sin. The Creator brings lasting excitement and comfort—His creation doesn’t. Food and drink can and should be enjoyed but it should never be an idol. Going to it for the wrong reasons makes it an idol.

“Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.” (Isaiah 55:2)

In our current time, it is very easy to overindulge and/or indulge in food or drink for the wrong reasons. Food, pictures of food, and various other temptations make it seem that excitement and comfort is just around the corner. Come on in or head to your kitchen and try something and instantly you’ll feel better. Instant comfort—maybe. But lasting comfort—not even close.

However, I can turn away from such empty behavior. I can go the other way. I can return to the Lord and His ways. I can continuously look to Him for my fulfillment in life. I can do good deeds that He designed me to do. I can help others. 

Then, I will be more fulfilled—lasting fulfillment that has no regrets later on. My Spirit will no longer be empty and I won’t crave as many short-term treats—treats that may even disappoint and bring regrets in the long run.

Each time I do good and help someone else instead of taking an easy, shortcut to comfort or fulfillment, I am stepping away from my own rebellious thoughts and walking toward obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). And anything that improves my self-control makes me more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, and gentle (Galatians 5:22-23). 

I wonder if I should write a diet plan called The Galatians 5:22-23 Way? The gist of it would be to get lasting fulfillment from God, His word, and doing His will and then go to food and drink only for sustenance that happens to taste good.

1. Repent of running to food or drink for anything but sustenance.

2. Deal with emotions by reading the Bible, praying, and seeking advice from others.

3. Remember that you have freedom to do a lot but not everything is beneficial for you (1 Corinthians 10:23).

4. Spend time doing good for others and you won’t have as much time to eat too much for the wrong reasons.

5. Remember that self-control is a good thing and can bring more benefits than gluttony ever can.

“For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” (1 John 2:16)

Please pray with me: 

Dear Lord, help me to look to You first and foremost to fulfill my needs and fill my emptiness. Nothing else but You can really do that. Then I will be free to enjoy the tasty food of the world but not overindulge. Then, any weight that I lose will be to Your glory as well as my benefit. May I gain extra energy by making proper choices and then use that energy to help others and therefore glorify my Father in Heaven. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Jennifer Heeren loves to write and wants to live in such a way that people are encouraged by her writing and her attitude. She loves to write devotional articles and stories that bring people hope and encouragement. Her cup is always at least half-full, even when circumstances aren’t ideal. She regularly contributes to Crosswalk.com. She lives near Atlanta, Georgia with her husband. Visit her at www.jenniferheeren.com.

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: January 20, 2017