INDULGENCE OF THE STOMACH
Listen, my son, and be wise; keep your mind on the right course. Don’t associate with those who drink too much wine or with those who gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor, and grogginess will clothe them in rags. Proverbs 23:19-21 (CSB)
This is not a subject often addressed in churches, but the group in Thyatira had an issue with people eating food sacrificed to idols. These meals would then lead to other sins when the drinking got out of hand, like sexual immorality.
Christians should be marked by self-control (Galatians 5:21-22). Yet the ability to say no at the table or in a restaurant is rare! Unrestrained eating and drinking can also lead to a lack of restraint in other areas of life.
In fact, besides intermittent fasting, when was the last time you heard about someone fasting from food? How much more do you hear about someone fasting from technology or working too hard?
In 1 Timothy 6:17 (NLT), we’re reminded that God richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Yet we often find ourselves desiring more than what we have, especially when it comes to food and drink. But beware of what this indulgence leads to, not only in terms of physical health but spiritual health!
APPLICATION: Our stomachs provide specific temptation that leads to sinful indulgence in other areas. Seek to honor God with what you eat. Discover what leads you to overeat and exercise restraint to the glory of God.
PRAYER: Lord,
This can be a challenging area and one that should be discussed more. Help me seek to maximize my body’s stewardship and become a person of self-control. Show me specific areas where I can be more disciplined in my actions to devote my body to You. Amen.