CHANGING OUR GLUTTONY MINDSET
revised 1/19/19
Many Christian Churches teach well about many social issues such as marriage, parenting, finances and debt. I believe there is another social issue that deserves some attention. This is one that may be too challenging for many churches to handle. That is the issue of neglected weight control, obesity and gluttony. I believe that we can no longer continue to stick our head in the sand and act like we are unaware of this crisis.
Please believe that this is not intended to judge or criticize anybody. However I am confident a lack of support is a significant ingredient in the struggle that many face as they are trying to lose weight. I myself had struggled with obesity for about twenty years of my young adult life. I realize that it is just by the Grace of God that my journey to a healthier lifestyle has been successful thus far, and I know that apart from him, I can do nothing.
A quick web search reveals that more than two thirds of adult Americans are considered to be overweight and almost a third are considered obese with Indiana weighing in as the 8th most obese state in the country. The rates of obesity in children are considered to be at epidemic levels, which are leading to an epidemic level of childhood Diabetes. Many experts claim that childhood obesity and diabetes are dramatically reducing the life expectancy of today’s children to the point that today’s children are the first generation with a shorter life expectancy than their own parents. Today’s parents will be the first generation of parents likely to bury their own children.
Many of us have heard a few pastors speak very convincingly of our responsibility as parents to model positive behavior for our children. Experts claim obesity and diabetes are conditions commonly related to unhealthy behavior. If I want my children to avoid life threatening behavior, I need to start with the man in the mirror. While genetics are also considered a possible cause of diabetes, I know that all we can do about genetics is pray. But I also know that if our children do have a genetic risk of diabetes we will only increase that risk if we do not avoid unhealthy behavior. I certainly do not want to contribute to my children’s behavior-related illness. If my child contracted a life threatening disease as a result of my lack of control over my behavior, I would feel as though I inflicted my child with the disease.
Obesity is an excess proportion of total body fat. A person is considered obese when his or her weight is 20% or more above normal weight. The most common measure of obesity is the body mass index or BMI. A person is considered overweight if his or her BMI is between 25 and 29.9; a person is considered obese if his or her BMI is over 30. I spent about 20 years of my early adult life struggling with obesity.
I clearly realize there are many who are overweight because of a Thyroid imbalance or as a result of prescribed use of insulin or other medication that reduces the metabolism or otherwise causes weight gain and or retention. And some are overweight because of depression or some other psychological reason.
I am also confident that many are overweight as a result of giving in to gluttony. Gluttony has a variety of dictionary definitions from eating beyond necessity to voracious eating and drinking.
Regardless of how we define gluttony, I believe the Bible defines it as sin.
PROVERBS 23:2 And put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.
PROVERBS 23:20 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
NLT-EZEKIEL 16:49 Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door.
PHILLIPIANS 3:19 Their destiny is destruction, their God is their stomach, and their glory is their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.
As Christians, we are often quick to label smoking, drinking, debt and homosexuality as sins. But for some reason, even though gluttony is biblically equated with the sins of Sodom and gluttony includes many more of us than homosexuality, many Christians ignore gluttony and consider it acceptable behavior. Many of the arguments used to label smoking and drinking as sins because of the health hazards and addictions, apply equally to overeating. A drunkard only appears a drunkard temporarily while they drink excessively. A glutton appears a glutton 24/7 until they lose weight. Many Christians would not even consider having a glass of wine, smoking a cigarette or borrowing money but have no qualms about gorging themselves at a buffet. And we do not dare drink alcohol in front of one who is considered to be a recovering alcoholic as it may cause him to stumble. Yet many do not hesitate to tempt dieters with sinful desserts, fattening foods or make fun of those attempting to eat healthy. Society seems to have plenty of compassion for those struggling with eating disorders and alcohol, cigarette and drug addictions but finds it acceptable to look down on those who are overweight and commonly fails to offer support for those struggling with or maintaining weight control. I myself have occasionally been harassed for not giving in and eating as harmfully as those around me.
ROMANS 14:19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to mutual edification. (20) Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.
Many such as myself are not overweight and do not appear to be a glutton, however we still give in to gluttonous eating during holidays and special occasions more often than we should. As Paul tells us that spiritual fitness is more important than physical fitness, how can I consider myself spiritually fit if I am neglecting the Temple of his Holy Spirit.
1 TIMOTHY 4:7 Do not waste time arguing over Godless ideas and old wives tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for Spiritual fitness. (8)Physical exercise has some value, but Spiritual exercise is much more important for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.
1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?
1 CORINTHIANS 3:16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you. (17)If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him, for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.
Some adults have been told by a Doctor that they may avoid, reduce or reverse their diabetes and their need for insulin by changing their behavior; increasing their activity and or reducing their weight. I know of a person who has reversed his diabetes and his need for insulin by $800 per month by listening to his doctor and modifying his behavior. Diabetics who choose to ignore their doctor’s advice may be willfully neglecting behavior that may benefit themselves, their family and the temple of God’s Holy Spirit.
I know of many who are struggling with the battle of the bulge and are attempting to embark on a journey to a healthier lifestyle but they lack the support of their friends, spouse (who may or may not be thin) and or other family members which greatly demoralizes their effort.
Some spouses or other family members are forever thin and do not give in to gluttony but still willfully consume junk foods that are harmful to their health, which only allows their destruction of His Temple to be hidden until heart disease or other internal problems take a toll. If they participate in such destructive behavior within the household of a spouse who is battling unhealthy weight, their behavior and lack of support are inflicting pain and struggles on their loved one. We should be looking out for the health of our spouse, not doing things to hinder it. I know from personal experience that it is much easier to make a lifestyle change if the entire household is on board.
There are those of the Predestination belief who claim that regardless of our behavior, we cannot add 1 day to our life, therefore we might as well eat as we choose. I do not wish to debate the Predestination belief. But if we believe it is okay to eat as we choose, and are going to use that as an excuse to eat in ways that may be destructive to His Temple, then we might as well participate in all the rest of Sodom’s activities and behavior or at least quit criticizing, judging and condemning others who do so. If it is true that we cannot add 1 day to our life by eating healthier, it seems we should still take personal responsibility for the quality of the life and the Holy Temple that God has given us. By ignoring our Doctors advice, some add avoidable, significant financial burdens to their household income by increasing medical expenses for Cholesterol, Blood Pressure or Diabetes prescriptions. This is not just about living longer, it is about living better. Do we like who we see in the mirror? Are we modeling behavior that will cause our children to like who they see in the mirror? Just as man was free to eat from most any tree in the garden, we might as well be eating the forbidden fruit if we willfully eat what we know may be harmful to the Temple of His Holy Spirit.
I know this is a very delicate subject, but I hope that one day churches and Christians recognize the seriousness of it. It pains me to see and hear about people who are engaged in the painful struggle of attempting to lose weight and are having that pain compounded by unsupportive society, friends and family members. And it also breaks my heart to see children who are being unwittingly led down a road of hazardous, sinful behavior. For Jesus tells us in MATTHEW 18:6: if we are causing one of those little ones who believe in him to sin, it would be better to have a large millstone hung around our neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea
We do not dare give children alcoholic beverages. We should be just as cautious about giving children foods and beverages laden with excessive amounts of harmful ingredients.
I may not be obese or over weight, but everyone who knows me, knows that I occasionally give in to gluttony. Though I have successfully lost a lot of weight I still struggle with the guilt I feel from giving in to gluttony. I am likely guiltier of gluttony than some of those who are overweight or obese. I have spent the last month about 10 pounds or so, over my goal weight, so I know I could very easily regain ALL of that weight that I have lost over the years. And I know that it is only by the grace of God that I have the mindset and His will to avoid letting my health journey come to an end. Just as the Pharisee who exalted himself above the tax collector in Luke Chapter 18, as Christians we tend to point fingers at what we are innocent of. We need to remain humble as the tax collector, because as Jesus said “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Whether it is sex, drugs, alcohol, electronics, material or FOOD, anytime we improperly indulge in items as an escape from the pain or the stresses of life it disappoints and hurts God and we commit sin. As one of our favorite Pastors recently told us, any time we turn away from our escapes and sins we tell God that we love him more than those escapes and sins.
Like I said in the beginning of this blog, my intention in this writing is not to judge or criticize anybody. I know that regardless of our sins, Christians generally have a strong desire to avoid disappointing and hurting God; we prefer to follow the greatest command of loving God. By labeling eating beyond necessity as gluttony and recognizing gluttony as sin, I hope to help others achieve the proper mindset to bless God’s Holy Temple with a physically and spiritually healthy mind and body. I also hope to increase support and accountability for those of us attempting to overcome our gluttony, obesity, and food related health issues and successfully pursue a lifelong health journey that continually tells God we love Him more than our escapes.
Besides recognizing gluttony as sin, one of the next steps in changing the mindset may be to quit using the D-word (diet). Let’s start calling it a HEALTH JOURNEY. As Christians the word Journey tends to automatically include God and we tend to see Journey as being lifelong.
I believe the next step is following the mindset change with a commitment to changes in behavior, changes that allow us to see healthy results, hopefully quickly. Seeing healthy results should motivate us to continue the HEALTH JOURNEY.
I believe that if we are overweight, occasionally give in to gluttony, have eating habits causing high cholesterol or diabetic conditions or just overindulge in food as an escape, we feel God’s Holy Spirit nudging us to back off or make changes. We are then free to choose if we are going to listen to His Holy Spirit and commit to the changes in behavior that lead to a lifelong HEALTH JOURNEY.
Thank you so much for visiting my web site. May God Bless you and your family.
For ideas on how to possibly see mind set changing quick results, you might visit the following pages of this website:
14 DAY CHALLENGE
http://timsweightlossandchristianbelief.weebly.com/14-day-challenge.html
TLC/CIY DIET
http://timsweightlossandchristianbelief.weebly.com/tlcciy-diet.html
METABOLISM
http://timsweightlossandchristianbelief.weebly.com/metabolism.html
RETRAINING OUR TASTES
http://timsweightlossandchristianbelief.weebly.com/retraining-our-tastes.html
revised 1/19/19
Many Christian Churches teach well about many social issues such as marriage, parenting, finances and debt. I believe there is another social issue that deserves some attention. This is one that may be too challenging for many churches to handle. That is the issue of neglected weight control, obesity and gluttony. I believe that we can no longer continue to stick our head in the sand and act like we are unaware of this crisis.
Please believe that this is not intended to judge or criticize anybody. However I am confident a lack of support is a significant ingredient in the struggle that many face as they are trying to lose weight. I myself had struggled with obesity for about twenty years of my young adult life. I realize that it is just by the Grace of God that my journey to a healthier lifestyle has been successful thus far, and I know that apart from him, I can do nothing.
A quick web search reveals that more than two thirds of adult Americans are considered to be overweight and almost a third are considered obese with Indiana weighing in as the 8th most obese state in the country. The rates of obesity in children are considered to be at epidemic levels, which are leading to an epidemic level of childhood Diabetes. Many experts claim that childhood obesity and diabetes are dramatically reducing the life expectancy of today’s children to the point that today’s children are the first generation with a shorter life expectancy than their own parents. Today’s parents will be the first generation of parents likely to bury their own children.
Many of us have heard a few pastors speak very convincingly of our responsibility as parents to model positive behavior for our children. Experts claim obesity and diabetes are conditions commonly related to unhealthy behavior. If I want my children to avoid life threatening behavior, I need to start with the man in the mirror. While genetics are also considered a possible cause of diabetes, I know that all we can do about genetics is pray. But I also know that if our children do have a genetic risk of diabetes we will only increase that risk if we do not avoid unhealthy behavior. I certainly do not want to contribute to my children’s behavior-related illness. If my child contracted a life threatening disease as a result of my lack of control over my behavior, I would feel as though I inflicted my child with the disease.
Obesity is an excess proportion of total body fat. A person is considered obese when his or her weight is 20% or more above normal weight. The most common measure of obesity is the body mass index or BMI. A person is considered overweight if his or her BMI is between 25 and 29.9; a person is considered obese if his or her BMI is over 30. I spent about 20 years of my early adult life struggling with obesity.
I clearly realize there are many who are overweight because of a Thyroid imbalance or as a result of prescribed use of insulin or other medication that reduces the metabolism or otherwise causes weight gain and or retention. And some are overweight because of depression or some other psychological reason.
I am also confident that many are overweight as a result of giving in to gluttony. Gluttony has a variety of dictionary definitions from eating beyond necessity to voracious eating and drinking.
Regardless of how we define gluttony, I believe the Bible defines it as sin.
PROVERBS 23:2 And put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.
PROVERBS 23:20 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
NLT-EZEKIEL 16:49 Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door.
PHILLIPIANS 3:19 Their destiny is destruction, their God is their stomach, and their glory is their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.
As Christians, we are often quick to label smoking, drinking, debt and homosexuality as sins. But for some reason, even though gluttony is biblically equated with the sins of Sodom and gluttony includes many more of us than homosexuality, many Christians ignore gluttony and consider it acceptable behavior. Many of the arguments used to label smoking and drinking as sins because of the health hazards and addictions, apply equally to overeating. A drunkard only appears a drunkard temporarily while they drink excessively. A glutton appears a glutton 24/7 until they lose weight. Many Christians would not even consider having a glass of wine, smoking a cigarette or borrowing money but have no qualms about gorging themselves at a buffet. And we do not dare drink alcohol in front of one who is considered to be a recovering alcoholic as it may cause him to stumble. Yet many do not hesitate to tempt dieters with sinful desserts, fattening foods or make fun of those attempting to eat healthy. Society seems to have plenty of compassion for those struggling with eating disorders and alcohol, cigarette and drug addictions but finds it acceptable to look down on those who are overweight and commonly fails to offer support for those struggling with or maintaining weight control. I myself have occasionally been harassed for not giving in and eating as harmfully as those around me.
ROMANS 14:19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to mutual edification. (20) Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.
Many such as myself are not overweight and do not appear to be a glutton, however we still give in to gluttonous eating during holidays and special occasions more often than we should. As Paul tells us that spiritual fitness is more important than physical fitness, how can I consider myself spiritually fit if I am neglecting the Temple of his Holy Spirit.
1 TIMOTHY 4:7 Do not waste time arguing over Godless ideas and old wives tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for Spiritual fitness. (8)Physical exercise has some value, but Spiritual exercise is much more important for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.
1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?
1 CORINTHIANS 3:16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you. (17)If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him, for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.
Some adults have been told by a Doctor that they may avoid, reduce or reverse their diabetes and their need for insulin by changing their behavior; increasing their activity and or reducing their weight. I know of a person who has reversed his diabetes and his need for insulin by $800 per month by listening to his doctor and modifying his behavior. Diabetics who choose to ignore their doctor’s advice may be willfully neglecting behavior that may benefit themselves, their family and the temple of God’s Holy Spirit.
I know of many who are struggling with the battle of the bulge and are attempting to embark on a journey to a healthier lifestyle but they lack the support of their friends, spouse (who may or may not be thin) and or other family members which greatly demoralizes their effort.
Some spouses or other family members are forever thin and do not give in to gluttony but still willfully consume junk foods that are harmful to their health, which only allows their destruction of His Temple to be hidden until heart disease or other internal problems take a toll. If they participate in such destructive behavior within the household of a spouse who is battling unhealthy weight, their behavior and lack of support are inflicting pain and struggles on their loved one. We should be looking out for the health of our spouse, not doing things to hinder it. I know from personal experience that it is much easier to make a lifestyle change if the entire household is on board.
There are those of the Predestination belief who claim that regardless of our behavior, we cannot add 1 day to our life, therefore we might as well eat as we choose. I do not wish to debate the Predestination belief. But if we believe it is okay to eat as we choose, and are going to use that as an excuse to eat in ways that may be destructive to His Temple, then we might as well participate in all the rest of Sodom’s activities and behavior or at least quit criticizing, judging and condemning others who do so. If it is true that we cannot add 1 day to our life by eating healthier, it seems we should still take personal responsibility for the quality of the life and the Holy Temple that God has given us. By ignoring our Doctors advice, some add avoidable, significant financial burdens to their household income by increasing medical expenses for Cholesterol, Blood Pressure or Diabetes prescriptions. This is not just about living longer, it is about living better. Do we like who we see in the mirror? Are we modeling behavior that will cause our children to like who they see in the mirror? Just as man was free to eat from most any tree in the garden, we might as well be eating the forbidden fruit if we willfully eat what we know may be harmful to the Temple of His Holy Spirit.
I know this is a very delicate subject, but I hope that one day churches and Christians recognize the seriousness of it. It pains me to see and hear about people who are engaged in the painful struggle of attempting to lose weight and are having that pain compounded by unsupportive society, friends and family members. And it also breaks my heart to see children who are being unwittingly led down a road of hazardous, sinful behavior. For Jesus tells us in MATTHEW 18:6: if we are causing one of those little ones who believe in him to sin, it would be better to have a large millstone hung around our neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea
We do not dare give children alcoholic beverages. We should be just as cautious about giving children foods and beverages laden with excessive amounts of harmful ingredients.
I may not be obese or over weight, but everyone who knows me, knows that I occasionally give in to gluttony. Though I have successfully lost a lot of weight I still struggle with the guilt I feel from giving in to gluttony. I am likely guiltier of gluttony than some of those who are overweight or obese. I have spent the last month about 10 pounds or so, over my goal weight, so I know I could very easily regain ALL of that weight that I have lost over the years. And I know that it is only by the grace of God that I have the mindset and His will to avoid letting my health journey come to an end. Just as the Pharisee who exalted himself above the tax collector in Luke Chapter 18, as Christians we tend to point fingers at what we are innocent of. We need to remain humble as the tax collector, because as Jesus said “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Whether it is sex, drugs, alcohol, electronics, material or FOOD, anytime we improperly indulge in items as an escape from the pain or the stresses of life it disappoints and hurts God and we commit sin. As one of our favorite Pastors recently told us, any time we turn away from our escapes and sins we tell God that we love him more than those escapes and sins.
Like I said in the beginning of this blog, my intention in this writing is not to judge or criticize anybody. I know that regardless of our sins, Christians generally have a strong desire to avoid disappointing and hurting God; we prefer to follow the greatest command of loving God. By labeling eating beyond necessity as gluttony and recognizing gluttony as sin, I hope to help others achieve the proper mindset to bless God’s Holy Temple with a physically and spiritually healthy mind and body. I also hope to increase support and accountability for those of us attempting to overcome our gluttony, obesity, and food related health issues and successfully pursue a lifelong health journey that continually tells God we love Him more than our escapes.
Besides recognizing gluttony as sin, one of the next steps in changing the mindset may be to quit using the D-word (diet). Let’s start calling it a HEALTH JOURNEY. As Christians the word Journey tends to automatically include God and we tend to see Journey as being lifelong.
I believe the next step is following the mindset change with a commitment to changes in behavior, changes that allow us to see healthy results, hopefully quickly. Seeing healthy results should motivate us to continue the HEALTH JOURNEY.
I believe that if we are overweight, occasionally give in to gluttony, have eating habits causing high cholesterol or diabetic conditions or just overindulge in food as an escape, we feel God’s Holy Spirit nudging us to back off or make changes. We are then free to choose if we are going to listen to His Holy Spirit and commit to the changes in behavior that lead to a lifelong HEALTH JOURNEY.
Thank you so much for visiting my web site. May God Bless you and your family.
For ideas on how to possibly see mind set changing quick results, you might visit the following pages of this website:
14 DAY CHALLENGE
http://timsweightlossandchristianbelief.weebly.com/14-day-challenge.html
TLC/CIY DIET
http://timsweightlossandchristianbelief.weebly.com/tlcciy-diet.html
METABOLISM
http://timsweightlossandchristianbelief.weebly.com/metabolism.html
RETRAINING OUR TASTES
http://timsweightlossandchristianbelief.weebly.com/retraining-our-tastes.html