Well, where to begin. This is one of those blogs that I know what I want to talk about, but have no idea where to start. I guess you can say that this post is a self help Holly post. A post that I have been studying about and trying to overcome. It's about a little thing called Gluttony. I have always known the definition of the word in my head. The meaning and that the word was found in several places in the bible, but not until recently have I really ever just thought about it and how it related to me. I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't do drugs, I am not a shop-o-holic, I don't want or need new things all the time... but guess what? I love food. I crave bad foods. I am an emotional eater... meaning I eat when I am happy, sad, tired, energetic, lonely, lovely... get it? I eat at every emotion. So, it recently dawned on me... what the world Holly, you are sinning on a daily basis.. You are a glutton. I eat waaay to much food. I think it's fine and great to enjoy food. I love to cook. I love to make things and prepare things for my family and friends. It's part of me.. and I think that is okay, but what is not okay is the amount and the cravings of the food. It has hit me like a bat upside the head. It is a SIN... just like stealing, murdering, living in an unbiblical relationship, and being a drunkard. Yikes... not good. I try and live right and know I fail miserably a lot, but I never even thought of it as an ungodly thing. I want to not eat as much to be thinner, healthier, wear smaller clothes sure, but I never thought about doing it to honor God.... and that should be the number one reason. My cravings and wants are food not pot, but to God I am not sure there is a difference. Philippians 3:19 says, " Whose end is destructions, whose God is their belly, whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things." I never thought of it that way... that I am putting my wants and cravings before God. God has told me not to be a glutton, but I do it anyway... I think of the needs and wants of my belly first. In Proverbs 23:19-21 it talks about being wise and how we should not be among the drunkards and gluttons... The over eaters. The ones who crave and eat to much. I shouldn't be among them. It states is simple and doesn't cause the slightest bit of confusion. Proverbs 25:16 goes on to say that when you find something sweet.. you can taste it, have a small amount. Enjoy it, but DO not eat so much that is makes you sick. I think it is saying have self control. Things can be enjoyed from time to time in moderation, but when we lack self-control the cravings and wants over take us, and before we know it we have had 3 slices of cakes instead of having a small serving. So, this is an obstacle for me. This is something I have to overcome! Maybe you struggle with this.. or maybe your struggle is something else, but lets all try and look at ourselves and not overlook something that really may be a sin in disguise. Something you never even thought about before. This was the case for me and now I realize that shoot.. I need to be asking the All Mighty One for help, because it is a real struggle. Finally I want to leave you with some verses that I stumbled upon today during quiet time. The verses are from Galatians 5:16 (The Message) "My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness." Later on in the chapter is says that "It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time.... uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions."
It sounds so easy, " Live freely, animated and motivated by God's spirit." I am going to try and know that I will stumble and fall repeatedly... but let us all try and live freely, animated, and motivated and let's fill our lives up with God's lovely spirit.
Love you all have a blessed day!
-Holly
