I have posted previously about my struggle with the sin of gluttony. It is a sin often ignored by the church in America, much to the detriment of the Body of Christ. Thankfully, by the grace of God I have found victory in this area – at least most days.
Like all sins, gluttony has consequences. My out of control eating devastated my health. Last year (2019) I reached of peak of 342 pounds on my 5’6” frame. I could barely walk a few dozen yards without exhaustion. My blood pressure was through the roof, even though I was taking three different medications. My legs were chronically swollen and in pain.
Finally, God convicted me of my sin strongly enough that I began to control my eating. I started a ketogenic diet and later incorporated some intermittent fasting. Praise God, I have shed 70+ pounds and feel so much better!
Despite my success, vigilance is still required. Occasionally I am reminded at just how much of an idol, food is to me. Last evening my wife and I were given a last minute invite to a birthday party. We went and had a great time with some friends. They served pizza and birthday cake – both no-no’s on my keto diet.
Out from my depths my gluttony reared its ugly head. I was not hungry, we had already eaten dinner. That pizza and cake looked so good though. I did manage to resist but I was feeling almost broken-hearted about it. It probably sounds silly but I was seriously bummed. However, I did realize that I was losing out due to my own actions in the past.
Sin has consequences! In the grand scheme of things, not being able to eat pizza and cake is a relatively small consequence but a consequence nonetheless. Had I continued in my gluttonous lifestyle, the consequences would certainly have been much direr, probably quite soon.
Sinful behavior can seem so enticing. Indulge yourself, you deserve it. It’s a lie! It’s a trap! The first time we engage in the behavior it is probably enjoyable and it seems like nothing particularly bad happened. Eventually though, sin will destroy us in one way or another.
God’s call to purity is not tyranny, it is His protection for us.
Thank You Lord for mercifully and graciously giving me victory over gluttony. Let me live a holy life so that I will not have to face the consequences of sin.