Getting to the Root of the Problem

Getting to the Root of the Problem: Uncovering the Spirit of Gluttony 

“It’s a new year, and a new me!” This is a saying that’s probably as old as time itself. We know the phrase and you’ve probably heard it or said it a time or two (maybe even both). As the new year approaches we begin to look at old habits that were unhealthy and to change them for the upcoming year. But somewhere throughout the year, you find yourself stumped and unmotivated to continue a diet or that new regimen you were convinced would benefit your life. Whether it’s losing weight, bettering eating habits, or exercising more, I would love to share with you a revelation that convicted me so. Our Father in Heaven has much to say about a spirit that lies hidden in many of the bodies of Believers. 

Gluttony is defined as greedy or excess indulgence. The term is often associated with excess food or alcoholic drink. “Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry ” (1 Corinthians 10:7). In the book of Corinthians, Apostle Paul is addressing the Church of Corinth because they previously wrote to Paul concerning their salvation and the influence of Greecian Culture in their Christian walks. Paul addresses the concept of gluttony in this passage. He points back to the history of the Israelites (In the book of Exodus) after they were rescued from Egypt by God. In verse 5 it reads, “Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did” (1 Corinthians 1:5-6). 

So you may be asking, why is gluttony so bad? Why does the Lord consider this act or lifestyle evil? I’m glad you asked, let’s look further. In Ezekiel 16, the Lord is chastizing the nation of Isreal and labels her as an adulterous Wife. “49 Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. 50 They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.” The Lord details His judgment upon the city of Sodom and Gomorrah from Genesis 19, and most notably the Spirit of Gluttony is what contributed to the city’s destruction. Why is that you may ask? First, Sodom was known for its flagrant use of sexual perversion (Genesis 18:20), and the Spirit of Gluttony became a host in the hearts and bodies of the city’s inhabitants. Gluttony enabled the residents of the city to engage in vile and indecent acts with one another. Therefore allowing their own lust or flesh to become their God. The inhabitants no longer had a reverence for God but were now controlled by their flesh. So, let’s go back to the definition of Gluttony. Webster described the term as an excessive indulgence of a thing, oftentimes food or drink. Saints, the reason why this sin is so dangerous is that it replaces Father as the Lord over our lives and places creation as being sovereign. 

Let’s use an example to tie things together. Many commercials now advertise food services like Grubhub, Doordash, and Uber Eats, just to name a few. These services make it more convenient to get the food you want when you want it, and without having to move an inch. Without much thought, we believers fall prey to these worldly theologies that make being idle or inactive normal behavior for believers. Or that eating as much as you want when you want is normal. Friends, such philosophies take away from our activeness in the Kingdom. Father God is clear of the types of people that will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Revelation 21:8). We see that abiding by this worldly theology is idolatrous and replaces Father God with our flesh. Friends, I pray that before you take the challenge of bettering yourself and your behaviors for the upcoming year, remember that our Father in Heaven wants to be a part of everything we Believers do. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance on what type of diet you should go on, or the behaviors you need to modify. Without including our Father, you would simply be doing something by your own strength and as believers, it’s truly unnecessary.

 I leave you with this last message, 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; (1 Corinthians 6:19). Just remember that your body is to serve the living God and everything we do should also reflect this simple truth. 

Go in Peace Beloved <3