My Biggest Sin Issue

Last week I was visiting with a friend, and we were discussing some of the things he's struggling with spiritually. At one point, he looked at me and said, "What about you? What are you struggling with?"

My mind began to file through possible sin issues...

Then it struck me.  My greatest spiritual struggle is over-eating.

I know this may not sound like a big deal, but I assure you it is. The bible recognizes it as a sin and calls it gluttony:

Proverbs 23:20-21
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.
Philippians 3:19

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame...

Chances are, if you are over-eating, you are worshiping the god of your stomach rather than the God of the Cosmos. This is a serious issue, because it relates directly to idolatry.

 Here's 5 ways you can tell if your god is your stomach:

1. Do you run to food when you feel sad? Angry? In times of celebration? 
2. Do you find yourself eating when you feel bored and not necessarily hungry?
3. Do you spend a large amount of money on fast food during the week, just to feed yourself?
4. Do you feel real anxiety if you don't finish all the fries in your McDonald's # 2 Combo Meal? 
5. Is your definition of "satisfied" when your stomach hurts because of over consumption of food?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, chances are you struggle with this sin as well. It may be helpful to understand that food should be used as a means to glorify God, not satisfy your cravings. When Jesus was tempted with food worship by Satan in Matt. 4:4, he responded with, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

BREAKING FOOD ADDICTION:

1. Recognize that over-eating is a sin/idol issue (See Romans 1). 
2. Repent and beg Jesus for freedom from this vice through prayer. 
3. Resolve to fast at least one meal for dinner once per week. I believe that fasting breaks spiritual addictions, and particularly food addiction. When your belly grumbles for food, allow that to take your heart and mind to Matt. 4:4, and watch how God liberates you!

When your hunger for God begins to out-weigh your hunger for food, you are well on your way to having a healthy relationship with food. Food is not the enemy, eating too much of it is.

 Please leave a comment below.