Published: October 16, 2009 10:15 am      

Misty Shultz: Whatever comes between you and God is sin

I have a problem I can’t overcome. You see, I love food. A lot.

Off the top of my head I can only think of two foods I do not love, but if you cover either of them with cheese, I might love them too.

I love unique dishes. I love trying new recipes. I love savoring a variety of flavors.

I simply love food. And the richer the better.

Some would say this isn’t a problem because I’m not obese, and I am not addicted to food.

Granted, I have never eaten a whole box of chocolates or a whole dish of lasagna. But, when I’m taken with a particular dish, I am known to get a heaping portion of seconds.

I also fill my plate to overflowing at Thanksgiving dinner, potlucks and buffets because I want a little bite of everything.

I’m not one of those people who eats to live, I live to eat.

Every situation brings a reason, or excuse, to enjoy a great meal.

Something wonderful happens, I celebrate with food.

Something depressing happens, I distract myself with food.

Turning to food is a habit.

When I look at pictures from high school, where I topped the scales at 100 pounds, I envy the metabolism of my younger years.

Today, I realize that could easily lose the extra 25 pounds if I were more disciplined with exercise, but my weight isn’t the real problem.

The real problem is that I tend to eat in excess. No, not at every meal, but far too often.

If I love a meal, I will eat until I’m stuffed. This, my friends, is gluttony at its finest. And gluttony is a sin.

Why? Because my body is a temple.

Paul reminds me, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NKJV)

If my body is actually God’s, then I need to be a good steward of it.

A few months ago, I had to take a refrigerator to my parents’ home in west Texas.

Because my husband and I don’t own a truck, my friends insisted we take their truck for the weekend.

After a few minutes of debating the issue, we agreed, and boy, did we baby the truck.

We fed it good gas. We put sheets down in the bed so it wasn’t scratched. We even vacuumed out the inside and washed the outside before we returned it to our friends.

They were very grateful.

Likewise, we are called to take good care of our bodies because they were given to us for a short time and for a specific purpose.

It’s difficult to fulfill God’s purpose for us if we are tired, lethargic, sick or overweight.

This is a good reminder that I need to be aware of more than just my external appearance.

In addition, I must realize that gluttony is sinful because I am allowing food to fill a place in my life that should be given to God.

Consider fasting. We fast so we may rely on God to be our daily bread.

When we feel pangs of hunger, we go the Lord in prayer instead of going to the kitchen.

God is supposed to be my everything.

If I allow food to comfort me or fulfill me, I am doing God a disservice.

If something wonderful happens, I need to praise him.

If something depressing happens, I need to seek him. If I fail to do this and find fulfillment or solace in food, I am putting food before God.

I am not saying we should not enjoy food. God gave us this amazing gift,

But, he calls us to enjoy in moderation.

Oftentimes I feel guilty because so many people have so little to eat, and I overindulge or overspend at a fabulous restaurant.

If I were to take the $40 I would have spent on a meal and sponsor a child who would otherwise go without, I believe this decision would honor God.

Proverbs 26:7 exhorts, “Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.” (NKJV)

I definitely do not want to shame my God with gluttony or skewed priorities.

For many of you, food may not be the problem.

Your struggle may be smoking, drinking, gambling, shopping, working, exercise or sex.

Whatever it is, it is sin if it separates you from God, takes priority over God, or does not honor your body, which is a gift from God.

One cigarette, one drink, one hand of cards, one new dress, one late night at the office, one 5K, or one romantic evening with your spouse will not destroy you.

Burt if you have the propensity to do any of these activities excessively, if you tend to make any one of them an idol, this is sin.

I do not have the strength or discipline in and of myself to stop overeating.

Fortunately, God is willing to help me if I consistently seek his provision.

The same is true for you. He created you, he loves you, and he will help you!



Misty Shultz holds master’s degrees in marriage and family counseling and Christian education. She can be reached at mshultz@reflectionofgrace.org.