The first all-you-can-eat restaurant was introduced in Las Vegas by Herb Cobb McDonald in 1946 as the Chuck Wagon buffet. The decadent and gluttonous midnight buffet is now a mainstay of resorts, casinos, and cruise ships everywhere.
Have you ever walked away from a buffet or all-you-can-eat restaurant wondering “why did I eat all that food?” Me too! So that is why I wrote this post. To persuade myself when I eat to excess, I am not pleasing God. And second, to start a conversation about this secret sin and hopefully shed light on a subject we don’t talk about in church very often.
Gluttony is a sin
Many people accept gluttony as normal behavior. In fact, the word sounds rather archaic. However, gluttony is a sin; defined as over-indulgence and overconsumption of food and drink. It is a sin of pride, shame, self-love, lack of self-control and finding comfort in food and drink instead of in God.
If I stuff myself at the Chinese buffet, I think “I’m not doing anything wrong like lying, murder or adultery, so I’m not as bad as those people.” But we are all sinners and no sins are any better or worse than others (Romans 3:23, NIV).
Our choices matter to God
God created us so everything we do, including each choice we make, matters to Him. Our purpose is glorifying God and pursuing holiness in all things. Paul addressed this in his letter to the church in Corinth, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).
In addition, food is fuel for the body, so think about this with each food choice: “is this beneficial for my body?” The body is a miraculous creation that requires quality fuel to run. Eating too much junk food, fried foods, and sugar does not contribute to health, energy, and vitality.
Also, ponder whether the food you eat only satisfies your immediate desires. Or rather, does it promote your long-term goals to be healthy the way God created you to be?
Eating certain foods may not be morally wrong, but they may not be beneficial for us or contribute to our future wellness. Paul wrote, “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12, NIV).
Rely on God’s power
When tempted with sweet tasty treats and salty snacks, we often lack willpower. (I know I do!) But, the fruit of the Holy Spirit includes self-control. Scripture states, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV).
Therefore, if we accept Jesus, self-control is the proof of the Holy Spirit working in us. In addition, if we ask God for help and believe, His power through the Holy Spirit is sufficient.
Break the cycle of shame
Emotional eating starts a cycle of shame. Triggers such as depression, loneliness, stress, sadness, fear, or boredom cause us to gorge on the food we think will make us feel better. These things such as food, are counterfeit comforts.
Instead, we feel even worse. Because then we believe “I am a bad person because I ate the whole pint of Chunky Monkey.” And the cycle of shame continues because we experience our negative emotions once again.
Please know that everyone can break the cycle of shame. Know that Jesus has paid the price for our sin and shame. All we have to do is confess our sins. Then God’s forgiveness, grace, and mercy cover us with steadfast love. Second, recognize your triggers and acknowledge the cycle.
And last, develop new patterns of habit and behavior. I will deal more with how to do this in my next blog about how to break the cycle of shame by modifying the habit loop.
Final thoughts
In summary, gluttony is a sin we do not talk about enough. Let’s bring it into the light. First, realize God cares about our choices. Second, God’s power helps us resist temptation. And last, we must break the cycle of shame.
