eating

July 16, 2004

I recently read an article in Charisma magazine entitled “Why Is the Church So Fat?” by Kara Davis, M.D. (also the author of Spiritual Secrets to Weight Loss). Talk about thought-provoking!

Because I wouldn’t characterize myself as obese, I was initially reading the article with an “holier-than-thou” attitude. But conviction quickly set in when I read the following:

Even though excess and indulgence are the norm for the world’s system, the Word of God admonishes us to control our appetites. We are encouraged to crucify these tendencies and choose a lifestyle marked by sobriety and moderation. Many Christians struggle with obesity for no reason other than an unwillingness to reject the worldly tendency toward self-indulgence and excess.

How do you know if this is your problem? Examine your behavior.

Is the first serving never quite enough? Are you compelled to eat in response to the sight, smell or taste of food in the absence of real hunger? Are you reluctant to set dietary restrictions–even at the advice of a nurse or physician–if it means sacrificing enjoyment?

Busted…on all three counts. I realized that even though eating may not be a weight issue for me, it certainly is a heart issue. Just because I don’t tend toward obesity does not mean I have free license to eat what I want, when I want and how much I want. I’m still responsible to avoid gluttony (Proverbs 23:19-20, Philippians 3:17-21) despite my ability to “hide” it.

Source: Davis, Kara. “Why Is the Church So Fat?” Charisma July 2004: 44-48.

Category: Deep Thoughts, Food & Drink

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