Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Pardon My Sin

This blog may end up putting me on some peoples hit list. . .nevertheless truth must be spoken.  Recently one of my clients told me that several people at church informed her that it is not a sin to overeat.  Hmmmm.  I know, I know, this will be a touchy issue.  But let's dive in, shall we?  It seems to be human nature to want to excuse our own bad behavior while pointing out the flaws of others (myself included).  Didn't Jesus address this?  Ah yes, it was in:

Matthew 7:3- "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

Having stated that, I want to make it clear that I see many "planks" in my own life.  I do not write on this subject to excuse my own flaws.  With that out of the way, let's continue.

Gluttony is defined in scripture as a sin.  In fact, it's listed as one of the seven "deadly" sins.  I do not condemn those who are trying to overcome a food addiction.  My issue is with those who refuse to see gluttony as sin.  Those who, in fact, encourage it.  My client has struggled with a food addiction in the past.  As she is working hard to overcome this issue, shouldn't she get support from other Christians, and not told that it's okay?  What if an alcoholic was told it was not a sin to drink in excess?  "Don't worry, it's okay to get drunk at a party. . .just don't do it every day".  Isn't that the same as having a church dinner and excusing everyone to stuff themselves to the point of indigestion? 

Just as an alcoholic is harming himself due to the toxins he ingests, so is the glutton who develops II Diabetes, Heart-Disease, Lack of Mobility, etc, etc.  How can we live out the call on our life if we are killing ourselves because we can't control our appetite?  Isn't one of the fruits of the Spirit SELF CONTROL? That doesn't mean just not losing your temper.  It is control over your spirit and your body!  A hard saying, YES!  But if we sing "All to Jesus, I surrender" that even means our physical appetite.