As we continue in our 4-part series on gluttony, in the first article, we saw that, among many things, gluttony gives us a wrong model. In this second part, we’ll see how:
Gluttony gives us a wicked master
So, Paul essentially says in Philippians 3:17, “I follow Christ; so follow me,” and he says this in part because he speaks of how broken the world is. He goes on to say in verses 18 and 19:
“18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”
Paul is saying exactly what Scripture’s been teaching – gluttony leads to opposition from God, to destruction, to shame… and it takes our minds off what should have our focus.
Gluttony keeps our minds on earthly things when our hearts should be set on heavenly things, not gluttony but godliness.
Paul says, “Their god is their belly…” This is a physical way of conveying a spiritual truth… that people obey their appetites and desires. This isn’t about enjoying our freedom; let’s call it what it is – a lack of self-control.
A great way to combat a lack of self-control is fasting — intentionally depriving ourselves of food for a time.
What fasting does is say, “Gluttony, you are not my God. The Creator of Heaven and Earth is my God, and I’m going to rely on Him. I’m going to let my desire for him be stronger than my desire for food.”
And so, when those pains of hunger come, we use them as a reminder to focus on God. If you want to grow in your faith, this is a powerful way. Start by skipping a meal, then try going a full day, and then longer!
When we never say no to our wants, desires, and greed, then we must realize gluttony is our master, not God, and it’s a wicked master, because it doesn’t strengthen us, it weakens us.
That brings us to the third thing we’ll look at in our next article.
